Meat Loaf’s widow said her “gut-wrenching grief” over her late husband’s death has left her heartbroken.
Deborah Gillespie opened up about her and the “Bat Out of Hell” rocker’s love story, providing insight for fans into just how romantic he was in his everyday life.
“The grief I feel over the loss of my husband is gut-wrenching. I was lying close to Michael when he took his last breath, and my sadness is beyond words,” Gillespie said in a statement to People Monday, noting that she always referred to him by his given name, Michael Aday, instead of his stage name.
“He meant so much to so many people, and it gave me joy to be able to share him with the world,” her statement continued. “As his wife, I also want everyone to know how much he meant to me as a husband.”
Gilespie said her and the “I’d Do Anything for Love” crooner’s love story began the day they met when she realized he would become her whole “world.”
“There wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t tell the other how much we loved them,” she shared. “Not a day that we didn’t hug each other.”
The couple wed in 2007 and were married for nearly 15 years at the time of the “Fight Club” actor’s death from COVID-19 at age 74 last Thursday.
“Some of my fondest memories will always be about how we so often laughed, and how we brought out the silliness and playfulness in each other,” she shared. “Michael was a hugger – such a physically affectionate and kind man, and I’m grateful that he brought out those traits in me.”
“There wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t tell the other how much we loved them,” Gillespie wrote.WireImageGillespie explained she intentionally waited to get married because she wanted to ensure she would spend her life with the “right” man, “and oh, boy, was he ever the right man for me,” she quipped.
“I realize how blessed I am to have shared my life with such an incredible person,” she continued. “He didn’t hesitate to let me know how much I was appreciated, and often sweetly told me, ‘You’re a good wife.’ I will miss hearing that.”
She added, “Our life together was an adventure. He was my best friend, my confidant, my lover, and I miss him terribly already. As much as my heart is in pain right now, my heart is also so full of the love and glory we shared together. I will love you forever, Michael.”
