Former Loose Women panellist Jane McDonald has candidly shared the profound daily struggle she faces following the loss of her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, describing the experience as "awful" and revealing how it nearly led her to retire from her career.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Eddie Rothe
Eddie Rothe, known to many as the drummer for bands like Liquid Gold and The Searchers, passed away in 2017 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnosis came shortly after he developed a persistent cough, marking the beginning of a difficult period for the couple.
Jane McDonald, a singer and television presenter, became Eddie's full-time carer towards the end of his life. The pair had originally formed a relationship as teenagers before drifting apart, only to rekindle their romance almost three decades later after a chance encounter on This Morning. They announced their engagement in 2008, with Jane often praising Eddie for his support in her career.
Daily Grief and Coping Mechanisms
Now, nine years after his death, Jane has opened up about the enduring pain of missing Eddie. In an interview with Heat magazine, she stated: "There's not a day that goes by when I don't think of Eddie – it's awful. I'm not going to butter it up in any way."
She elaborated on her approach to managing grief, explaining: "Grief stays with you, but what you have to do is sit it beside joy. You have to bring as much joy into your life as humanly possible, so that you feel more happiness than grief. I'm just about level now. Every day, I do a mantra and say, 'Right, you can go two ways here – you can either go down that route, or you can go that route.'"
Jane emphasizes the importance of choosing the positive route, a mindset she believes has been crucial in driving her career forward despite the emotional challenges.
Career Resilience and Recent Success
The 63-year-old admits she was planning on retiring but has instead found herself achieving significant milestones, including scoring a top 10 album with Living The Dream and continuing to make television appearances. This album marked her first top 10 achievement as an independent recording artist.
Speaking to the Official Chart Company, Jane reflected: "It's almost 30 years since I released my first Number 1 album, so to be enjoying this success now is beyond my wildest dreams." She attributes her continued success to Eddie, viewing it as a "gift from Eddie" that helps her celebrate his memory rather than dwell in sadness.
PTSD Diagnosis and Emotional Reflections
Elsewhere, Jane has discussed being diagnosed with PTSD following Eddie's death. In an interview with the Guardian, she expressed: "If I could bring back Ed, I would give everything up and have him back. My life has just gone: boom! That is a gift from him. So why wouldn't I celebrate him? And not be sad. I don't want to be sad about Ed. He was a wonderful, beautiful soul."
Despite the pain, Jane feels "blessed" to have spent as much time with Eddie as she did, adding: "I feel like he's with me all the time. And now, with the songs, he will be."
Upcoming Television Project
The former Star Treatment presenter will return to Channel 5 this evening with Jane McDonald in Nashville. The second installment in a two-part series will feature Jane exploring Tennessee and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her album, blending her personal journey with her professional endeavors.
