LEICESTER, United Kingdom – British pop legend Engelbert Humperdinck has thanked his fans for their prayers for his wife Patricia after she lost her fight with COVID-19 on Feb. 4.
“Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife. Last night, she slipped softly away, as if by Gods clockwork,” the singer said on Twitter.
Humperdinck, 84, married Patricia Healey in 1964. She has been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for about a decade.
Dear Friends,
Please forgive the silence, after the unbelievable response to our plea for prayers.
Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife. Last night , she slipped softly away, as if by Gods clockwork. pic.twitter.com/UgeJokkFvP
— Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) February 6, 2021
The Catholic singer was born Arnold George Dorsey in British India and grew up in Leicester, England. He is probably best known for 1967’s “Release Me” and 1979’s “This Moment in Time.”
RELATED: Singer Engelbert Humperdinck says ‘prayer most important thing’ as wife battles COVID
“The last rites were given just before our usual prayers at the 8pm hour, by our nephew, Father Paul. It was 4am for him. We were so grateful to have him gently lead Popea through this last chapter, with a familiar voice and such love. She was surrounded by our children, Louise, Jason, Brad, with Scott on FaceTime,” Humperdinck said.
The singer thanked Patricia’s longtime caregivers for “lovingly” making her transition “easier on us all.”
“Her earthly limitations no longer hold her down as she is freely running the glorious gardens of Heaven….reunited with so many loved ones. We prayed as a family, blessed her with the water from Lourdes and off she went… ushered into the arms of Jesus with help from the generous heart filled prayers from all around the world,” he continued.
“I thank those who reached out in what we now know were her final days, and sent energy, love and words of deep connection to a loving God. He will be the ultimate Caregiver of peace and love,” Humperdinck said.
“Patricia battle with Alzheimer’s was brave from the very beginning. She never resisted as we tried to leave no stone unturned. We love you beyond words, forever and always. It is slipping now into the minutes of a full day without you. Goodnight my baby,” he concluded.
Follow Charles Collins on Twitter: @CharlesinRome
