About the song
At 89, Engelbert Humperdinck Opened Up in Tears About the Love of His Life
For more than six decades, Engelbert Humperdinck has serenaded the world with love songs that have stood the test of time. With hits like “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz,” his velvet voice became the soundtrack to countless romances. Yet, behind the glitz of international stardom lies a deeply personal love story—one that Engelbert finally opened up about at the age of 89, bringing him to tears as he spoke of the woman who shaped his entire life: his late wife, Patricia Healy.
Engelbert and Patricia’s love story began long before he became a household name. The two met as teenagers in Leicester, England, and their bond grew into a partnership that lasted more than five decades. Patricia was there before the fame, supporting Engelbert through his struggles as an unknown musician and standing by him when superstardom arrived in the late 1960s. Through it all, she remained the grounding force in his life, the person who reminded him that behind the adoration of millions, he was first and foremost a husband and father.
In 2017, Patricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a cruel illness that slowly robs its victims of memory and recognition. Engelbert devoted himself to caring for her, putting much of his life on hold to ensure she had comfort and love in her final years. Speaking about her now, his voice often breaks. “She was my world,” he confessed in a recent interview. “Every song I ever sang was for her. And even when the disease took so much from us, our love was still there. Love never dies.”
At 89, Engelbert admitted that losing Patricia in 2021 was the greatest heartbreak of his life. His tears revealed the depth of his grief but also the depth of his gratitude. He recalled tender moments they shared in the final months: sitting together, holding hands, humming hymns and love songs that had once filled their home. “Even when she could no longer speak,” he said, “I knew she could feel my love. That’s what kept me going.”
The legendary singer also opened up about how Patricia continues to inspire him today. He dedicates songs to her in nearly every performance, including “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” and “How I Love You.” Audiences around the world have witnessed him choke back tears on stage, transforming his grief into music that touches fans deeply. For Engelbert, singing about Patricia is not only a way to honor her memory but also a way to heal.
Fans were moved by his emotional honesty, many of them writing messages of love and support, sharing their own stories of loss. Engelbert has become more than just an entertainer—he has become a symbol of enduring devotion. “I had the love of a lifetime,” he said softly. “Not everyone gets that. I count myself blessed, even through the pain.”
At 89, Engelbert Humperdinck’s voice still carries across stages, but his heart belongs forever to Patricia. Their love story, filled with music, resilience, and unwavering devotion, remains his greatest song.
