20 Stars Still Mourning Partners They Lost Decades Ago

Grief does not follow a schedule, and many well-known figures continue to honor partners they lost long ago through foundations, books, tributes, and careful stewardship of artistic legacies. These stars keep memories alive in everyday rituals and public projects, reminding fans and families alike that love and loss can shape a lifetime.

Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono has safeguarded John Lennon’s legacy since his death in 1980. She helped establish Strawberry Fields in Central Park and continues to support peace and arts initiatives Lennon championed. Ono has overseen archival releases and exhibitions that preserve his work for new audiences. She remains a touchstone for fans who visit memorials and anniversaries each year.

Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley has maintained Elvis Presley’s legacy since his death in 1977. She helped open Graceland to the public and guided Elvis Presley Enterprises through its early growth. Priscilla continues to appear at commemorations and speaks about Elvis’s impact on music and culture. She also supports projects that present his story with care to newer generations.

Olivia Harrison

Olivia Harrison has stewarded George Harrison’s music and philanthropy since his passing in 2001. She oversees the Material World Foundation and participates in reissues and film restorations of his work. Olivia has authored reflections on their life together and appears at tributes and charity events. Her work keeps George’s spiritual and artistic values at the forefront.

Barbara Minty McQueen

Barbara Minty McQueen, Steve McQueen’s widow, has chronicled his final years and preserved his image since 1980. She coauthored a photo-driven memoir and curates exhibits from her personal archives. Barbara attends screenings and classic-car gatherings that celebrate his passions. Her efforts keep McQueen’s iconic screen presence visible to fans worldwide.

Robert Wagner

Robert Wagner has openly remembered Natalie Wood since her death in 1981. He has written about their life together and appeared in documentaries that revisit her career. Wagner marks anniversaries and family moments with remembrances. He also supports preservation of her films so new audiences can discover her performances.

Samantha Mathis

Samantha Mathis has spoken candidly about losing River Phoenix in 1993. She has supported discussions around substance use awareness and the pressures young actors face. Mathis’s recollections have helped clarify the events of that night and humanize Phoenix beyond headlines. Her memories often surface around film retrospectives and tributes to his talent.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has quietly carried the loss of Jennifer Syme since 2001. He rarely speaks about it, but he has acknowledged how grief shaped his life. Reeves supports causes related to health and wellness and favors a low-key approach to remembrance. Fans often connect his thoughtful public demeanor to the empathy forged through that loss.

Chris Pérez

Chris Pérez has honored Selena Quintanilla’s memory since her death in 1995. He wrote the memoir ‘To Selena, with Love’ and has participated in tributes and band reunions. Pérez continues to celebrate her music with fans who gather at commemorative events. His ongoing engagement helps frame Selena’s story with personal detail and respect.

Rita Marley

Rita Marley has preserved Bob Marley’s legacy since 1981 through music, business, and philanthropy. She helps guide the Marley family’s labels and charitable projects that serve communities in Jamaica and beyond. Rita appears at celebrations marking key dates in Bob’s life and career. Her stewardship keeps his message of unity and resilience active around the world.

Mary Austin

Mary Austin, longtime partner to Freddie Mercury, has tended his personal legacy since 1991. She administers aspects of his estate and has protected the privacy of their life together. Mary has supported memorial efforts connected to HIV and AIDS awareness. Her quiet guardianship has preserved spaces and stories that mattered to Mercury.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love has carried Kurt Cobain’s memory since his death in 1994. She has been involved in decisions around Cobain’s archives and appearances of unreleased material. Love participates in tributes that highlight his artistry and the history of ‘Nirvana’. Her comments often center on protecting his work and contextualizing his influence.

Damon Dash

Damon Dash has spoken about Aaliyah’s life and legacy since her passing in 2001. He gives interviews that highlight her professionalism and creative ambitions. Dash appears in documentaries and memorial features that revisit her music videos and film work. His recollections help frame Aaliyah’s lasting impact on R&B and pop culture.

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney has honored Linda McCartney since her death in 1998 through music, activism, and food initiatives. He continues to support the vegetarian brand that carries her name and promotes the ‘Meat Free Monday’ campaign. McCartney frequently dedicates songs at concerts to Linda. He also backs photo retrospectives that showcase her work behind the camera.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan often reflects on the loss of his first wife Cassandra Harris, who died in 1991. He has raised their children with frequent tributes marking birthdays and anniversaries. Brosnan supports cancer awareness charities connected to their family’s experience. His public remembrances underscore how her influence remains central in his life.

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner continues to honor Robert Kardashian Sr., who died in 2003. She regularly posts tributes on family milestones and anniversaries. Jenner has highlighted his Armenian heritage and legal career in interviews and episodes that revisit family history. Her reflections center on his role as a father and the values he instilled.

Amy Yasbeck

Amy Yasbeck has advanced aortic health awareness since losing John Ritter in 2003. She founded the John Ritter Foundation to promote screening and education. Yasbeck speaks at medical conferences and public events to share warning signs and prevention strategies. Her advocacy has helped families and physicians catch silent risks earlier.

Linda Lee Cadwell

Linda Lee Cadwell has preserved Bruce Lee’s philosophy and teachings since his death in 1973. She authored books that explain his approach to martial arts and life. Cadwell helped establish the Bruce Lee Foundation, which supports education and community programs. Her stewardship keeps his writings and training methods accessible.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands has kept John Cassavetes’s independent film legacy alive since 1989. She appears at retrospectives and restorations of their collaborative work, including ‘A Woman Under the Influence’. Rowlands has discussed the creative process they shared to guide new filmmakers. Her participation ensures his groundbreaking approach remains part of film education.

Jennifer Lee Pryor

Jennifer Lee Pryor has overseen Richard Pryor’s estate since his death in 2005. She supports reissues, documentaries, and museum exhibitions that present his comedy in full context. Pryor also engages in conversations about his influence on stand-up and film. Her work helps new audiences understand the scope of his artistry.

Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson has remembered Elvis Presley in interviews and in her memoir ‘A Little Thing Called Life’ since his death in 1977. She participates in events that honor his music and maintains friendships with members of his inner circle. Thompson often shares personal insights that illuminate his daily routines and humor. Her stories add dimension to the public portrait fans already know.

Share the names or stories that resonate with you most in the comments and tell us who else you think should be included.