Shane MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke thanks Johnny Depp for his support after the star’s death: ‘He is the most gracious of angels’

The widow of Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has thanked Johnny Depp for the support he has given her, describing him as an 'Angel'.

Victoria Mary Clarke, 57, praised the actor, 60, for maintaining his friendship and loyalty to her husband despite his illnesses and addictions now that his career was over.

Victoria shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, writing: 'Johnny is one of the most gracious angels and I know Shane really appreciated the way he was so completely respectful and accepting of every aspect of his being.

“(This was) even at times when many people dismissed him as a hopeless addict and past his prime.

“Seeing the adoration Johnny felt for Shane was a great source of encouragement and strength during difficult times.

Victoria, 57, praised the actor, 60, for maintaining his friendship and loyalty to her husband despite his illnesses and addictions now that his career was over

Victoria wrote: 'Johnny is one of the most gracious angels and I know Shane really appreciated the way he was so respectful'

“I am forever grateful that he never saw Shane as anything less than perfect, brilliant and beautiful.

“Thank you JD for being a tower of strength for me these past few days and I bless you from the bottom of my heart.”

Hollywood star Johnny was a constant at Shane's grieving widow's side, helping carry the coffin containing Shane's remains and also speaking at his funeral service. He was also present at the cremation.

Victoria said she felt pain and loss but was encouraged by the support and love she had received.

Shane, who would have turned 65 on Christmas Day, died in Dublin last month and his service was in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

His funeral was seen on television by millions of people around the world and during his church service hundreds of people were left out with standing room only after thousands lined the route of his coffin in Dublin and Nenagh.

Victoria recently revealed that the grief is “not as bad” as she expected after Shane's death.

In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Victoria – who married the singer in 2018 – said she had been worried about Shane's death for decades.

Victoria added: 'I am forever grateful that he never saw Shane as anything less than perfect, brilliant and beautiful' (Johnny and Shane pictured in 1994)

Victoria has said she feared losing her husband for 35 years and thought she would die herself if the worst happened – pictured together in 2007

The Pogues frontman died 'peacefully' in the early hours of November 30 (photo: Victoria and Shane in 2023)

But now that the unfortunate time has come, Victoria explains that the outpouring of love and support she has received has helped her stay afloat.

“I worried about losing Shane for many years, probably at least 35 years, because he pushed so many boundaries with what people can do with their bodies,” she said.

'I was afraid of that. I thought I was going to fall apart. I thought I was going to die, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk anymore, I would fall into a coma or I would go on drugs, something like that.'

She went on to say that she was “overwhelmed by the amount of love” she received after her husband's death.

“I want you all to know that it (losing a loved one) isn't as bad as you think it will be and that there is a tremendous amount of love that comes your way when you lose someone you didn't really expect.”