Pop singer Englebert Humperdinck has taken to social media to share the heartbreaking news that his wife of 56 years Patrica has died after contracting coronavirus.
The 84-year-old star announced that Patrica, 85, “slipped away” on Friday night after a testing positive for Covid-19.
Engelbert wrote on Facebook: “Dear Friends, Please forgive the silence, after the unbelievable response to our plea for prayers.
Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife.
“Last night, she slipped softly away, as if by Gods clockwork.
“The last rites were given just before our usual prayers at the 8pm hour, by our nephew, Father Paul. It was 4am for him,”
He added: “We were so grateful to have him gently lead Popea through this last chapter, with a familiar voice and such love.
Englebert Humperdinck’s wife Patrica has passed away aged 85
“She was surrounded by our children, Louise, Jason, Brad, with Scott on FaceTime.
“Her longtime caregivers lovingly helped make her transition easier on us all.
“Her earthly limitations no longer hold her down as she is freely running the glorious gardens of Heaven, reunited with so many loved ones.”
Patricia, who Engelbert has been married to since 1964, has been suffering with Alzheimer’s since about 2007.
It comes after Engelbert, who is at his home in Los Angeles, revealed he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was asymptomatic.
The couple were married for 56 years (Image: Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Last week, Engelbert said the positive tests for coronavirus came after “nearly a year of an abundance of caution and care”, as he urged for prayers for his “darling” wife.
In a series of tweets posted last Tuesday, he said: “Now we must not let a positive result bring a negative mindset but I must say I could use your help in this department.
“We are asking for prayers, good energy, love and support to be sent our way.”
He said his daughter had brought “cases of photographs to reflect upon and keep us strong through our recovery”.
Engelbert Humperdinck shared the heartbreaking news about his wife’s death on Facebook (Image: Getty Images)
He added: ‘My biggest ‘ask’ is for my darling wife, Patricia (Popea).
“She has been through so much and does whatever it takes. She is an unbelievable woman of strength. Please also keep our wonderful caregivers in your prayers.”
In 2019 Engelbert revealed his joy after his wife said his name for the first time in three years.
Speaking to The Mirror, the singer gushed about it being a “Christmas miracle'”that his wife had referred to him by name again.
He revealed: “She hasn’t spoken for three years, she even called my name three days ago which is wonderful to hear. It’s the best Christmas miracle ever. I’m thrilled.”
Engelbert topped the UK singles chart with his hits Release Me and The Last Waltz in the 1960s.
He also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song Love Will Set You Free, finishing second last.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
