Dealing with Alzheimer’s is a heart-wrenching journey that requires so much love and patience. When someone close to you is diagnosed with this illness, it’s really difficult to maintain a regular life routine. In John Lydon’s case, he became the full-time caretaker of his wife Nora, and recently his duties came to an end with her passing.
This love story began almost five decades ago when the couple got married. Despite Lydon’s crazy touring schedule, they resided in Venice, California up until her death. There is no doubt that Lydon was very much in love with his wife. So much so that he wrote his songs about her. He also always spoke so highly of Nora, and when she was diagnosed with the illness, it was very tough for him.
He had stated around 2020 in the Mirror interview that he would take care of his wife no matter what because he still loved her like he always did and that he knew she was still in there. But he also mentioned that it was getting worse and worse. Yet, he had no intentions of putting her into a house and gladly accepted to be her caretaker.
Here are the heartfelt words of Lydon prior to Nora’s death:
“Nora has Alzheimer’s… I am her full-time carer, and I won’t let anyone mess up with her. For me, the real person is still there. That person I love is still there every minute of every day, and that is my life. It’s unfortunate that she forgets things, well, don’t we all? I suppose her condition is one of a permanent hangover for her. It gets worse and worse, bits of the brain store less and less memory, and then suddenly some bits completely vanish.”
Unfortunately, it didn’t get better, and the singer’s team announced on his Twitter account that Nora Forster had passed away. The team called for respect from fans and to give him the space he needs to try to get through his grief. Having lived several years as a full-time caretaker, the news must have had an immense effect on the singer.
The tweet read:
“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 living with Alzheimer’s for several years. In which time John had become 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.”
No matter what drama goes on in the music industry, whenever something happens to someone, everyone tends to come together. There were comments full of support underneath the tweet indicating that people who love him are there for him at all times like he had been for his wife.
2/2 Please respect John's grief and allow him space.
Rest in Peace Nora. Heart felt condolences to John from Rambo and all at PiL Official.
Photo @ Andy Cantillon / JRJL Productions 2010
— John Lydon Official (@lydonofficial) April 6, 2023
