Paul O'Grady's grave finally has a headstone – more than two years after TV icon's death
Iconic TV presenter Paul O'Grady died two and half years ago, and his grave was left without a headstone due to a lengthy application process, but that has now changed
Paul O'Grady's grave finally has a headstone – more than two years after the TV presenter died in March 2023, with the delay being the result of a lengthy application process.
The 67-year-old TV presenter died at his home near Ashford after suffering a sudden Cardiac arrhythmia. Only a month later, he was buried in St Rumwold's Churchyard in Bonnington, Kent.
That grave has remained without a headstone for two and half years, marked only with wooden crosses and ornaments. But, after a lengthy application process, his widow Andre Portasio revealed on Paul's Instagram to show Paul's headstone on his grave.
The headstone is made of dark grey stone and bears Paul's name, as well as the name of his former long-term partner Brendan Murphy, who died of a brain tumour in 2005. Paul's final wish was for him to be buried alongside his former partner and manager Brendan, whose death in 2005 left Paul heartbroken and devastated.
Captioning the photo, which also showed a figurine of Paul's dog Buster next to the headstone, Andre wrote: "I am very pleased to share that, after two and a half years since Paul’s passing and a lengthy application process, we have finally placed the final design of his headstone at his grave."
He added that he misses his late husband. "I miss him dearly every day, but I am grateful that his resting place is now complete. I hope he would be pleased with the final design."
The headstone also features one of Paul's favourite quotes from Philosopher Michel de Montaigne: "The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be one's own self."
Paul's fans were quick to react to the comments. One said they could "weep with happiness" becuase Brendan was included. "It just makes me weep with happiness that you were kind and generous enough to include Murphy in this: Such a beautiful and selfless gesture."
Another said it was "beautiful" and that they hoped to visit. While a third wrote that it was "wonderful" to have Buster there too. The figurine, according to Andre, matches another outside Battersea Cat's and Dog's Home.
Former ballet dancer, Andre, often posts tributes to Paul on social media and has previously shared a photo of the pair on their wedding day in 2017, sporting sharp suits complete with matching corsages. He also told Mirror that he watches videos of the presenter on the anniversary of his death every year.
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