"I miss him dearly every day": Paul O’Grady’s widower announces star's grave now bears loving headstone
– 1 min read
Paul O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio has shared a photo of the star's headstone and posted an emotional tribute on Instagram.
O'Grady, who who won the hearts of millions through his work as a television presenter, comedian and drag performer under the persona Lily Savage died aged 67 at his home in Kent. He was laid to rest the following month in St Rumwold’s Churchyard in Bonnington, Kent.
Until now, his grave had been marked only with wooden crosses and ornaments. But following a lengthy application process, O’Grady’s widower, Andre Portasio, announced via the late star’s Instagram account that the final design of the headstone has been placed.
The dark grey headstone bears Paul’s name alongside that of his former long-term partner, Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005 from an inoperable brain tumour and is buried beside him. It also features a figurine of Paul’s beloved dog Buster and one of his favourite quotes from philosopher Michel de Montaigne: “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be one’s own self.”
Portasio expressed his gratitude to the Commissary Court of the Diocese of Canterbury, the Parish of Bonnington and the Church of St Rumwold for approving the design. He also thanked Robin Hopkins, Commissary General of the Diocese, for allowing the inclusion of the Buster replica, similar to the one at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where O’Grady was a devoted ambassador.
“I miss him dearly every day,” Portasio wrote, “but I am grateful that his resting place is now complete. I hope he would be pleased with the final design.”
Fans responded with heartfelt messages, praising the inclusion of Murphy and Buster as a touching and selfless tribute to a man who brought joy, compassion, and laughter to so many.
