Television chef Delia Smith has spoken candidly about her own mortality and the challenge of life without her husband, Michael Wynn Jones, who died on September 28 at the age of 85 following a health battle. The couple, both 85, had been married for 55 years since 1971.
Final weeks and a life shared
In an interview with journalist Amol Rajan, Smith described her husband's last months, saying: "He was ill, very ill for the last, sort of, six weeks of his life, he was very, very ill. I was with him the whole time, night and day, all the time."
Reflecting on her loss, Smith said: "First of all, I'm filled with gratitude. I mean, 55 years of a marriage, that was so incredible. I mean, we had such a ball together. We did so many things. We had a lovely life together." She added: "And we're 85 and you're sort of thinking, well, you know, our lives are coming to an end anyway. But obviously, I've got to learn how to be half a whole. That's going to be hard after 55 years."
Football and food bond
Smith and Wynn Jones shared a passion for football and food, as she previously revealed on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Together, they witnessed Norwich City Football Club, where Wynn Jones held a majority stake for 28 years, rise through the divisions to reach the Premier League.
Asked about the secret to their long marriage, Smith said: "I think if you both like football it helps. Cricket and football were his life." She also praised the hospice staff who cared for her husband, stating: "We had everything. We had everything we needed night and day."
Tributes from Norwich City
Wynn Jones's death has resonated within the football community. Norwich City FC issued a statement honouring his contributions, saying: "Everyone at Norwich City is deeply saddened by the passing of our honorary life president, Michael Wynn Jones. Michael died peacefully at home on Monday morning, aged 85."
The club added: "He will be greatly missed. His family are grateful for the wonderful care provided by the community nursing team at St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. Our deepest condolences are with Delia and Tom, and with all of Michael's family, friends and loved ones. At the family's request, we ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
