Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shares heartfelt tribute to late star on his 68th birthday
‘Wish you were here with us’: Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shares a heartfelt tribute to the late star on his ‘heavenly’ 68th birthday
Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late star on what would have been his 68th birthday.
The TV personality passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28, aged 67, as his partner announced the news just before 3am.
On Wednesday, Andre celebrated Paul’s “heavenly birthday” with a touching Instagram post, in which he shared a sweet throwback photo of his lover holding a birthday cake.
A second photo showed the pair laughing together on a beach as the sun set in the background.
Alongside the snaps, Andre wrote, “HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY. Myself and dogs miss you dearly and we can only wish you were here with us. I always love you @paulogrady.’
Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late star on what would have been his 68th birthday
In March, Paul’s partner Andre shared that he had passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully.”
He said, “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that as you celebrate his life, you also respect our privacy as we process this loss.
He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all who enjoyed his wit, wit and compassion.
“I know he would like me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”
The couple married in 2017 in a low-key wedding ceremony.
Paul’s cause of death was later confirmed as sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
During Paul’s career he has presented The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award winning For The Love Of Dogs. He also hosted the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.
Sweet: On Wednesday, Andre marked Paul’s ‘heavenly birthday’ with a touching Instagram post, in which he shared a throwback photo of his love holding a birthday cake
It comes after The British Soap Awards paid a touching tribute to former presenter Paul at the ceremony last week.
The presenter and longtime Corrie fan was among a slew of soap stars honored during the In Memorian segment.
The tribute included a clip of Paul hosting the Soap Awards in 2004 and 2005, earning huge cheers when he arrived on stage, before praising serial dramas for the comfort and escape they provide viewers.
It was labeled “beautiful” by soap fans, with some admitting they were moved to tears by the tribute.