Singer and TV presenter Jane McDonald has shared a heartbreaking update about coping with the death of her partner, Eddie Rothe, five years after he passed away. The 62-year-old star admitted she listens to voicemails from the late musician and wears his jumper to feel closer to him.
McDonald's 11th studio album, Living The Dream, marks the first time she has musically addressed the grief she has carried since Rothe died of lung cancer aged 67 in March 2021. His funeral was held under pandemic restrictions, which she described as 'a tragedy, because nobody could come to see him.'
Discussing the inspiration behind some songs on the record, McDonald explained: 'It's the first time I've written about Ed. "How can I move on?" is all about hearing his voice on a voicemail and wearing his sweater, just to feel a bit closer to him.' She also noted that another track, 'Beautiful Soul', will be challenging to perform live.
Continuing to work has helped McDonald navigate her grief, which also includes the loss of her mother, Jean, three years before Rothe's death. She said: 'People my age have all joined the club where we've lost loved ones. Grief is always going to be there... What you have to do is fill your life with a load of joy, to sit alongside it.'
McDonald previously opened up about becoming Rothe's full-time carer during his final weeks, learning to manage everything herself without nurses or doctors. She eventually took him to Wakefield Hospice, where she remained by his side. The album will be promoted with a 2026 UK tour.
