'Fly free, my friend': Anne Heche's podcast co-host Heather Duffy pens heartfelt tribute
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Anne Heche's 'Better Together' podcast co-host Heather Duffy is still processing the death of her close friend. Heather Duffy broke her silence on Thursday, August, 18, as she posted a heartfelt tribute to the late star, saying, "I had to take a moment to begin to process the profound loss of my beautiful friend with the kindest soul I've known." The two have been co-hosting 'Better Together' since late 2020. They shared an equation that was truly more like "sisters" than "friends."
She posted on their joint Instagram account remembering Heche's impact on her and all the people around her. On their podcast, they had a playful time as they enjoyed each other's company, they had candid conversations with guests and experts about their stories, stumbles, and triumphs. Their podcast producer, Ryan Tillotson, also shared a post, "We lost someone irreplaceable." Duffy also made sure Heche's contribution and sacrifice towards the LGBTQ community were not forgotten and honors her as she emphasizes, how Heche helped pave the way for others when she famously brought Ellen DeGeneres as her date in 1997 at the Volcano premiere even though she received a lot of backlash from the public and the movie business.
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"Anne was joyful despite all the challenges that she faced in her life. She was truthful despite being in a business that is make-believe. Spreading love and kindness in the world is what mattered most to her, even if, at times, the world did not give it back," Duffy continued. "So many do not know the bravery and the sacrifice it took for Anne to stand up for the right to love who you wanted back in the late 90s. Her public stand for equality empowered many LGBTQ+ people worldwide to see a future where they could live in their truth, which mattered to her more than anything." "We have come a long way because of her truth, bravery, and kindness in that moment 25 years ago when she chose to bring a woman as her date to the premiere of Volcano," Duffy added. "I wish the media would have circled back at some point while she was with us to recognize how harshly they judged her in those moments when she took a stand for equality." Duffy noted that Heche "was way ahead of us, and we are all just catching up." "Fly free, my friend," she added. "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you."
Ryan Tillotson wrote on his Instagram, "This week, the Straw Hut Media family lost someone irreplaceable. More than a beloved host, Anne was my friend, collaborator, and a damn good actress. Anne added life to every room she entered with her tremendous energy and welcoming presence. I will remember her most for her big heart, her commitment to the people she loved, and the fearless way she fought for what she believed in. Better Together wasn’t just a podcast, it was a belief system. She believed the best way to grow and improve yourself was to talk openly and share stories. We’re committed to continuing her legacy in that way. It’s surreal to think I’ll no longer be seeing her every week. Los Angeles is a quieter and sadder place without her; I can feel it. My heart hurts. I love you, Anne. Please send all your love and support to her two boys, Atlas and Homer, and the rest of her chosen family - Ryan Tillotson, Cofounder and CEO."
On August, 14, Anne Heche, 53, was taken off life support a week after she was involved in a fiery car crash on August, 5, which left her hospitalized in a coma with severe injuries. The home her vehicle collided into also became uninhabitable in the Mar Vista neighborhood, Los Angeles. The accident was Heche's third car crash within 30 minutes span Heche's death was ruled an accident. The Los Angeles Police Department declared "there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case," though they had previously been conducting a DUI investigation. Heche is survived by 20-year-old son Homer, her son with ex Coley Lafoon, and 13-year-old Atlas, her son with ex James Tupper.