Nora Forster, wife of John Lydon, dies at 80 after Sex Pistol opened up about her battle with Alzheimer’s
Nora Forster, wife of John Lydon, dies aged 80 after the 67-year-old Sex Pistol cared for her in a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease
- Singer, 67, had previously spoken about caring for his wife who had Alzheimer’s disease
John Lydon’s wife Nora Forster has passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement on the former Sex Pistols frontman’s Twitter account.
The singer, 67, had previously spoken about caring for his wife who had Alzheimer’s disease.
The statement read: “Rest in peace Nora Forster. It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Nora Forster – John Lydon’s wife of nearly five decades – has passed away.
‘Nora had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. At that time, John had become her full-time caregiver.
Please respect John’s grief and give him space.
“Rest in peace Nora. Heartfelt condolences to John van Rambo and everyone at PiL Official.’
John Lydon’s wife Nora Forster has passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement on the former Sex Pistols frontman’s Twitter account. Pictured together in 2005
Lydon, 67, recently admitted that life without the publishing heiress, his wife of 44 years, was unthinkable. They are pictured together in 2001
The British punk pioneer lived with Nora in Southern California and was her primary caregiver for about five years after she was diagnosed with the disease.
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that gradually worsens and eventually leads to death.
Lydon, 67, recently admitted that life without the publishing heiress, his wife of 44 years, was unthinkable, in part because his position as her caretaker defined who he is.
That said the singer of Public Image Ltd (PiL). The times in February: ‘All the things I thought were the ultimate torment now seem ridiculous… It has shaped me into what I am.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. I don’t see how I can live without her. I wouldn’t want it. There is no point.’
And I’m sorry, but it’s worth every moment. No joy comes without pain and, boy, do I know that now.’
“It’s not a job at all,” he said of taking care of Nora. “You make a commitment to a person and nothing changes. These are the cards life deals, and my mom and dad were right: never feel sorry for yourself. Ever.’
Lydon rose to fame with The Sex Pistols alongside guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977
Punk pioneers: (L-R) Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Sid Vicious, Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols on their last tour
Lydon has worked tirelessly over the past few years to raise awareness around Alzheimer’s disease.
He recently auditioned to represent Ireland – his parents’ native country – with the self-penned song Hawaii, a song inspired by his wife’s condition.
Although his Dublin audition was unsuccessful, the singer drew attention to the illness before returning to his wife in Los Angeles and resuming his primary role as her caretaker.
In 2020, Lydon spoke of scrapping a highly anticipated Public Image Ltd (PiL) album to focus on caring for his wife.
The British punk pioneer lived with Nora in Southern California and was her primary caregiver for about five years after she was diagnosed with the disease.