Engelbert Humperdinck’s wife dies aged 85 after battling Alzheimer’s and Covid

Engelbert Humperdinck’s wife Patricia Healey has died aged 85. Engelbert confirmed the news in a statement via Facebook on Saturday. Patricia had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Covid-19 at the time of her death.

“Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife,” the 84-year-old singer wrote. “Last night, she slipped softly away, as if by God’s clockwork.

“The last rites were given just before our usual prayers at the 8pm hour, by our nephew, Father Paul. It was 4am for him. We were so grateful to have him gently lead Popea through this last chapter, with a familiar voice and such love.”

Engelbert went on to say Patricia was surrounded by the couple’s children Louise, Jason and Brad, while their son Scott was on FaceTime when she died.

The ‘Release Me’ singer added his wife’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease “was brave from the very beginning”. “She never resisted as we tried to leave no stone unturned,” he said. “We love you beyond words, forever and always. It is slipping now into the minutes of a full day without you. Goodnight my baby.”

Fans of Engelbert’s shared their condolences, with one writing: “I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray that God will give you strength and fulfil your heart with the loving memories that you shared.”

Another added: “Such beautiful kind words of such a gorgeous lady. She is the angel who now will always be with you and family. Always guiding you with her love. God bless you and keep all of you strong. Tears from my heart.”

While a third wrote: “I am so very sorry, Engelbert. She is at peace now, she will suffer no more. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone. May she Rest In Peace.”

It comes just a few weeks after the singer revealed he, Patricia, their son Jason and two of her caregivers had tested positive to coronavirus and asked fans to keep them in their thoughts.

Engelbert married Patricia in 1964, three years before he had his first hit with ‘Release Me’. The song famously kept The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ off the top spot in the UK charts at the time.