The death of Paul O’Grady left a profound impact on his loved ones and fans around the world.
A year after the beloved TV icon passed away from sudden cardiac arrhythmia on March 28, 2023, his widower Andre Portasio is now sharing the emotional decisions he’s faced since losing Paul.
On the second anniversary of Paul’s death, Andre revealed a heartbreaking choice he made to sell their home and opened up about the emotional turmoil he’s experienced in the wake of the loss.
The Difficult Decision to Sell Their Home
In an emotional interview with The Mirror, Andre, who married Paul in 2017, admitted that he has had to make a series of difficult decisions.
The toughest of these was deciding to sell their shared home, a move that has left him questioning whether he’s making the right choice.
As he reflects on the past two years, Andre shares that life has moved on, but Paul is always in his thoughts.
“Am I doing the right thing, am I not?” Andre confesses, adding that he hopes Paul’s spirit is there to guide him through these tough moments.
A Heartwarming Yet Bittersweet Video
On the anniversary of Paul’s death, Andre stumbled upon a video of Paul taken just 20 minutes before he passed.
The video, which flashed up on Andre’s phone in the early hours of March 28, was a moment Andre had completely forgotten about.
“I didn’t recognize what it was at first, but when it came up, I was like ‘oh my god.’” Despite the sadness it brought, Andre felt it was important to share the clip with Paul’s fans.
He often revisits videos of Paul, finding comfort in the laughter they bring, while also mourning the loss of the funny, kind, and genuine man Paul was.
Paul’s Final Message to His Fans
The video Andre shared on social media shows Paul, in his usual upbeat style, thanking fans for supporting his book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang.
Holding his beloved dog, Eddie, Paul expresses his gratitude for the award his book had won, capturing the heartwarming and familiar charm Paul was known for. “I really appreciate it.
Look after yourselves,” Paul says in the video, his warm personality shining through even in those final moments.
Andre’s Heartfelt Tribute to Paul
In the caption of the post, Andre paid a heartfelt tribute to his late husband, reflecting on the pain of losing him and the legacy he left behind.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since his passing,” Andre wrote.
“In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was.”
He spoke fondly of Paul’s dedication to his fans and how his spirit continues to live on through memories like the one captured in the video.
The Legacy Paul Left Behind
Despite the grief, Andre finds comfort in remembering Paul’s kindness and his love for his fans, as well as his devotion to the animals he adored.
Paul’s five dogs—Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, and Sausage—were left £25,000 each in Paul’s will, ensuring they continue to receive the care and attention they deserve.
Paul’s £15 million fortune was also used to support several charities close to his heart, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a charity he worked closely with for years.
The Continuing Impact of Paul’s Generosity
Paul’s legacy is one of kindness, humor, and generosity.
He left significant portions of his estate to support the animals and charities he loved, including a £500,000 donation to Battersea Dogs Home, where he worked as an ambassador.
His actions reflected his lifelong passion for helping others, and his will ensured that his impact would continue after his death.
“Battersea will forever be indebted to Paul for all that he did,” said the charity’s chief executive.
Remembering Paul’s Final Moments and the Impact on His Family
Recalling the day of Paul’s death, Andre describes a scene that was both tragic and surreal.
Paul had been in good spirits earlier in the day, but after hearing a loud noise, Andre discovered Paul lying on the kitchen floor, unconscious.
Despite his efforts to revive Paul through CPR, the ambulance crew was unable to save him.
It was a heartbreaking moment, and Andre vividly remembers how Paul’s dog, Arfur, tried to nuzzle Paul as if urging him to wake up, making the loss even more painful.
The Legacy of Paul’s Charity Work and Support for Animals
Paul’s love for animals extended far beyond his TV career.
His will also made provisions for wildlife charities, with £100,000 allocated to organizations like Wildlife SOS and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
His generosity and deep connection to animals left a lasting mark on both the animal welfare community and his fans.
A Lasting Tribute to Paul O’Grady’s Legacy
As fans continue to honor Paul’s memory, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has established a tribute fund in his name, ensuring that his work with animals will never be forgotten.
His influence on the charity, as well as his role as a beloved TV personality, continues to resonate.
Through his charity work, his dogs, and his legacy, Paul O’Grady’s impact on the world will never be forgotten.