Andre Portasio, the widower of beloved entertainer Paul O'Grady, has paid an emotional tribute on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary. O'Grady, known for his iconic drag persona Lily Savage, died two years ago at the age of 67 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Portasio, a former ballet dancer, shared a photo of the couple on their wedding day in 2017 on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt poem. He wrote: 'Today marks what would have been eight years of our vows. A day I hold close, though shadows now surround. Two years since you left, yet your memory remains, a whisper in my heart, gentle echoes of pain.'
The tribute continued: 'Eighteen years we danced in love’s sweet glow, timeless moments only true hearts know. Though you are gone, your love still remains, a eternal flame amid life’s rains.' Portasio concluded: 'Forever missing you, my soul’s deepest ache, In every breath, your memory I take. Paul, you are my forever, my endless song— In my heart, you still belong.'
Fans responded with support, with one commenting: 'Such beautiful words. Thinking of you. Miss Paul on the TV. He lit up everything.' Earlier this year, Portasio opened up to The Mirror about life without O'Grady, revealing he still watches videos of the star and finds comfort in his humour. He also mentioned selling their shared home, hoping Paul would guide him in the decision.
O'Grady died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on March 28, 2023. His death certificate confirmed the cause as sudden cardiac arrhythmia, a condition where an abnormal heart rhythm leads to cardiac arrest.
