Sex Pistols John Lydon admits it was ‘almost a relief’ when wife Nora Forster died from Alzheimer’s and was ‘put out of her misery’: ‘She was happy and laughing in her final days’
Sex Pistols John Lydon admits it was ‘almost a relief’ when wife Nora Forster died of Alzheimer’s and was ‘put out of her misery’: ‘She was happy and smiling in her last days’
John Lydon has reflected on his wife’s battle with Alzheimer’s and revealed she was “happy and smiling” in her final days.
The 67-year-old punk legend, better known as Johnny Rotten, lost his beloved wife Nora in April at the age of 80 after a two-year battle with the disease.
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, the rocker confessed it was “almost a relief” when she passed away and was free of her struggles.
Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, who asked John how the past few months have been, he replied: “It’s been tough, but we’re holding on.
She died laughing until the last day. She found it really hard to breathe, but she died happy and she knew I loved her and that’s all that matters.”
Widow: Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, John Lydon has revealed the profound care he gave his late wife Nora Forster in her final months
Loss: The 67-year-old punk legend, better known as Johnny Rotten, lost his beloved wife Nora in June at the age of 80 after a two-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease (pictured in 2011)
John continued, “It was almost a relief (when she died) when she was put out of her misery for five years, but I loved every minute of it.
“I didn’t mind the wheelchairs and diapers. I just got attached to her in a whole new way and I learned so many new things about her.
“Just sharing comedy and humor with her was great because that would give her the memory of what was going on.
“She was a very independent and strong woman.”
John explained that he had to learn to be patient with Nora, as this was critical when caring for someone with dementia.
He added: “The first year she was sick it was a learning process, then you get used to it and then you learn to relax with it a little bit.”
“There’s no point in arguing, don’t ask questions and let them enjoy what they like.
“She didn’t like being patronized, it would drive her crazy with rage. Don’t make them babies (people with dementia) and don’t ask too many questions.’
Reflective: Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls who asked John how the past few months had been, he replied, “It’s been tough, but we’re holding on.
Struggle: John also confessed to turning to food and alcohol shortly after Nora died
John also confessed to turning to food and alcohol shortly after Nora died.
He continued, “All it did was make me gain weight. I’ve never been drunk and I thought, “This is stupid,” so I quit.
“But the problem is, it’s not just the brandy, it’s the ready-to-go microwave meals that come with it, and you’re destroying yourself. The only way I know how to get fit is to get back on the podium.”
The legend, who married in 1979, became his wife’s full-time caregiver after she was diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2021.
In 1975, Nora met John, who was 14 years her junior, in Vivienne Westwood’s famous King’s Road clothing store, Sex.
The pair were initially warned against each other by friends, but despite this, John said they had an instant and explosive bond – one that would last a lifetime.
“It’s love, you know. I’ve always loved that woman. And she knows. When we met we didn’t expect to get along. We had both been told the other was a bad guy. But delicious. Sparks flew. It was an instant attraction,” he told The Guardian last year.
Caring: The punk legend became his wife’s full-time caregiver after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago (photo 1986)