Not all great romances have happy endings and some end in the loss of a loved one, but their power endures despite tragedy. Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze’s love story is an extraordinary tale that still inspires many people. In a recent interview, Swayze’s widow, 66, opened up about her deep connection with the late actor and how she has coped with his passing, offering insights into finding love again.
They were married from 1975 until Patrick’s death in 2009.
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The couple met at a dance studio when the future Dirty Dancing star was only 18 and Niemi 14 years old. When she first met him, Lisa thought that there was something about Patrick that was “pure gold.” Although the connection was instant, it took Swayze some time to win over Lisa’s heart. But once they got to know each other better, they became inseparable and went on to spend 35 happy years together.
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When Swayze passed away at the age of 57 in 2009, after a brave battle with cancer, his wife was completely devastated: “When you lose somebody, that kind of grief happens on a cellular level,” Niemi explains. It was not easy for her to move on and try to rebuild her life, but she felt like there was still a lot of love left to give.
She still continues to love her husband to this day.
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Eventually, in 2014, she got married to jeweler Albert DePrisco, with whom she is still in a happy relationship. She was surprised that she could fall in love again, and when she confided in a friend who is also a widow, the friend comforted her by saying that all love comes from the “same well.” Niemi believes that being married for the second time doesn’t diminish the love she shared with Swayze: ’’Just because someone is gone, doesn’t mean you fall out of love,’’ she says.
Niemi often pays tribute to her beloved Patrick on her social media accounts and says that Swayze will always be a part of her life and who she is. In an emotional Instagram post celebrating what would have been their 44th wedding anniversary, Niemi shared their wedding photo with captions: ’’Love doesn’t die. He still makes me smile.’’
Niemi honors Swayze’s legacy in the most meaningful way.
© LisaNiemiSwayze / Twitter
Niemi is committed to honoring Swayze’s legacy by supporting the fight against pancreatic cancer, and she remains dedicated to the cause. She said, “Cancer may have taken him, but it didn’t beat him. And I’m continuing his fight for him.”
Patrick Swayze is remembered by his fans worldwide, not only for his iconic movie roles but also for his incredible passion, dedication, and his unique personality. He is one of those actors who managed to strike a delicate balance between toughness and sensitivity.