Tahnee Sims has been gradually reconstructing her world in the wake of profound personal tragedy, following the heartbreaking loss of her beloved boyfriend, singer and actor Johnny Ruffo, two years ago. This weekend offered a poignant glimpse into her ongoing healing process as she sought solace in a simple, solitary coastal escape.
A Tranquil Solo Outing in Sydney
On a serene Saturday afternoon, the 32-year-old product developer for White Fox Boutique embarked on a personal retreat to the sandy shores of Maroubra Beach in Sydney. Embracing a relaxed and understated aesthetic for her day of quiet reflection, Tahnee arrived dressed in casual comfort. Her outfit consisted of a loose, white T-shirt paired with classic cut-off denim shorts, perfectly suited for a leisurely beach visit.
She carried her essentials in a practical tote bag slung over one shoulder, accompanied by a vibrant pink water bottle and a cheerful striped towel in yellow and white. Choosing to go barefoot on the sand, she held her black flip-flops in hand and appeared completely makeup-free, embracing a natural and unfiltered moment of peace.
Finding Solace in Sun and Literature
After selecting a comfortable spot on the warm sand, Tahnee changed into a charming brown and white mismatched bikini. She then settled down to bask in the sunshine, immersing herself in a book. This tranquil scene of quiet reading by the ocean symbolised a gentle step forward in her personal journey, a moment of normalcy and self-care amidst the backdrop of grief.
Remembering Johnny Ruffo's Brave Battle
The former Home and Away star, Johnny Ruffo, sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 35. His devoted partner of eight years, Tahnee, was faithfully by his side until the end, following his courageous six-year fight against brain cancer. Their love story began in 2015 when they first met at a dance studio, a connection that would see them through immense challenges.
Ruffo was initially diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017. He underwent urgent surgery to remove a 7cm tumour from his frontal lobe, followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After entering remission, he received the devastating news in November 2020 that the disease had returned. By August 2022, his diagnosis was confirmed as terminal.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Throughout his arduous health battle, Johnny frequently and publicly acknowledged Tahnee's unwavering support. He credited her with saving his life, sharing countless heartfelt tributes in media interviews and on social media. It was Tahnee who initially recognised the severity of his symptoms, rushing him to hospital after he suffered from persistent migraines.
In a moving tribute posted one year after his passing, Tahnee shared a gallery of black and white photographs capturing their time together. She poignantly expressed the complex nature of her grief, writing, 'One year on without you. It feels like just yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once.'
Her message continued, 'There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many moments I have wanted to share with you, so many times I've reached for my phone to call you. But the main thing I would want you to know, is that I am okay. Grief is incredibly heavy but it's the price we pay for love and I'm so grateful for all of the years we got to share together and the lifetime of love and adventure we packed in. Forever wouldn't have been long enough with you… Miss you J.'
Johnny Ruffo died on November 10, 2023, just one week before Tahnee's 30th birthday. Her recent, peaceful beach outing stands as a testament to her resilience and the slow, steady path of rebuilding a life shadowed by loss, yet illuminated by cherished memories.
