Wednesday, October 23

Spouse of former Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Lydon dies aged 80

Nora Forster, the spouse of former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, has died aged 80 after residing with Alzheimer’s illness in recent times. 

The 67-year-old singer, additionally recognized by his stage identify Johnny Rotten, was his spouse’s full-time carer after her analysis.

He not too long ago tried to signify Ireland at this yr’s Eurovision with a music devoted to Ms Forster together with his band Public Image Ltd (PiL).

John Lydon
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John Lydon made a bid to signify Ireland at Eurovision 2023 with a music impressed by his late spouse

In an announcement posted on Lydon’s Twitter, he stated: “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 residing with Alzheimer’s for a number of years. In which period John had turn into her full-time carer.

“Please respect John’s grief and allow him space.

“Rest in Peace Nora. Heartfelt condolences to John from Rambo and all at PiL Official.”

The couple first met in 1975 on the late artist Malcolm McLaren’s clothes store that he owned with Vivienne Westwood in London.

Lydon and Ms Forster, the daughter of rich German writer Franz Karl Maier, have been collectively for 45 years.

She was additionally the mom of the late musician Ari-Up, greatest referred to as a member of the English punk rock band the Slits, who died in 2010 after a “serious illness”.

Lydon’s Eurovision bid music was named Hawaii in a tribute to a vacation they took collectively.

File photo dated 1/7/2008 of John Lydon with wife Nora Forster kiss during the screening of the film 'Sex Pistols Live From Brixton Academy' at The Screen on The Green, Islington, north London. Nora has died aged 80 after living with Alzheimer's disease for several years. The 67-year-old former Sex Pistols frontman, also known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, was his wife's full-time carer following the diagnosis and raised awareness of the condition through his recent attempt to represent Irela
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John Lydon with spouse Nora Forster in 2008

“As I say in the song, old journeys end and some begin again, but this is the beginning of a new journey with us,” he stated throughout his Eurovision marketing campaign.

“And, oddly enough, as bad as Alzheimer’s is, there are great moments of tenderness between us. And I tried to capture that in the song, and so it’s not all waiting for the Grim Reaper.

“I can see her persona in her eyes, she lets me know that it is the communication abilities which can be letting her down.

John Lydon (second right) with his PiL bandmates in Dublin
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John Lydon (second proper) together with his PiL bandmates in Dublin

“And I’m just blessed really that I can be there and catch on to that and maybe share that information as this progresses, as we know it will, to its ultimate sad demise.

“Pass one thing helpful on to different folks. It’s a topic now that I’m so firmly tied up and wrapped up and linked to that I care now for all of its victims. Particularly to spouses that must endure this.”

In the UK, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain function.

The condition can affect memory, thinking skills and other cognitive functions, according to the NHS.

John Lydon performs at the Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California, in 2010
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John Lydon acting at Coachella in 2010

The chief government at Dementia UK, Hilda Hayo, provided her condolences to Lydon and his household.

“John has raised a huge amount of awareness around the impact that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can have through his work in recent months. Through sharing his personal experience, he will no doubt have helped others seek the support they need,” she stated.

“The death of someone close is one of the most difficult experiences many of us will ever face, and we hope he receives the support he needs while he is grieving.

“We urge households affected by dementia to achieve out to our specialist helpline.”

Content Source: information.sky.com