Paul O'Grady's grieving husband Andre Portasio shares 'last ever' picture they took together
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mourning the death of English broadcaster Paul O’Grady, his husband Andre Portasio is trying to find solace by remembering special moments. Portasio, 41, posted a throwback picture of the couple from their January vacation and thanked fans and followers for supporting him through this difficult time.
Postario posted the photo with a long dedication for the late actor, who was an avid dog-lover, “In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support. I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!”
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Portasio then narrated why the photo was so special, writing, “Browsing for a picture, I found the last picture we ever took together,” before further adding, “Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together”.
O’Grady and Portasio’s marriage
O’Grady and Portasio got married in an intimate ceremony in 2017 after dating for 11 years. Portasio is a multi-talented person who worked as “Creative Producer, ballet teacher, amateur photographer” along with “once upon a time a dancer with English National Ballet,” as stated in his Instagram bio.
In his 2012 biography, ‘Still standing’, ‘Blind Date’ star O’Grady wrote, “Our relationship just crept up on us. It took us by surprise when we were least expecting it,” as reported by Daily Mail. Previously, O’Grady was married to lesbian barmaid Teresa Fernandes to prevent her deportation. “She was from a very strict Catholic family and was always being hassled by them, 'Why aren't you getting married?,” explained O’Grady as why he married Teresa Fernandes. He also gave his reason then, “So I said: 'Come on then, we'll get married', and we did. We were married for 28 years,” reports Daily Mail. With his dear friend Diane Jansen, O’Grady had become a father to a girl child, Sharon. However, the pair never married.
'The world is a sadder place without him in it'
Condolences poured in the for the bereaving husband, as one of O'Grady's fan said, "Andre, I don't know you but just wanted to pass on my deepest sympathies to you. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. The whole nation is feeling the loss of Paul and nobody more so than you. Even though I don't know you and you more than likely won't see my comment, I wanted to let you know that you have been in my thoughts constantly since I heard the news. Sending you so so much love at this time. The nation loved Paul, but to you he was just simply, YOUR Paul. Big hugs Andre ❤️ Best Wishes, Ant 🐜 xx".
Another fan wrote, "I still think it's all a dream still Paul O'Grady didn't just touch celebrities hearts he also touched all our ❤💞 he was a legend and always will be". While the third one was an acquaintance who wrote, "A beautiful soul and human inside and outside was Paul. He will be sorely missed by so many people and animals. Paul made a difference to so many people animals simply by being the way he was, this shown through in every project he took on and his every day life. We are sending so much love to you all, you Andre, Paul's family friends colleagues and his beloved animals xxx".
"I’ve hardly stopped crying since I read the sad news I can’t imagine how empty your life will feel without Paul but our thoughts are with you," wrote another fan who too is grieving the loss. Another netizen wrote, "He will live on in all our hearts. Sending you comfort and love. May Paul's gentle soul rest in peace. ❤️". "Lovely photo. I am so very sorry. Thinking of you and sending so much love. I have loved Paul for over 30 years, I saw and met him many times. He’s going to be greatly missed. The world is a sadder place without him in it. Take care of yourself. X, wrote another.
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