In a heartfelt revelation, Patti Newton recently shared the enduring love she holds for her late partner, Bert, who passed away on October 30, 2021, after battling a long illness.
The iconic entertainer also opened up about the unique and touching ways she keeps Bert’s memory alive, offering fans a glimpse into the tender rituals that keep her connected to the love of her life.
In a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Patti revealed that Bert remains a constant presence in her thoughts to this day.
“Bert will always be the love of my life. I’ll never stop thinking about him,” she began.
Patti also spoke of how a poignant symbol of faith became a cherished connection between the couple.
“When Bert was in Epworth Hospital, he had this little wooden cross. A friend of mine had given it to him. Bert used to pick it up from the tray and kiss it,” she said.
“He’d hold it for a minute and then put it down. I take it to the theatre with me and before a show, I pick it up and kiss it.
“I hold it to my heart as he did and say, ‘Come on Bert, we’re on’. He comes on stage with me.”
Bert passed away at the age of 83 after a long health battle, he was undergoing palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne when he died. Both the Australian public and the entertainment world mourned the showbiz legend during a state funeral in mid-November 2021
Following Bert’s passing, Patti has made a constant effort to honour the memory of her late husband, delivering heartfelt tributes to the entertainment heavyweight on his birthday and other special milestones.
Most recently, she turned to Instagram to commemorate the two-year anniversary of Bert’s passing with a heartfelt tribute.
“This day two years ago we said goodbye to this wonderful man, the love of my life,” she wrote.
“We miss you every moment of everyday.
“Sleep well we love you.”
Born in 1938, Albert Watson Newton quickly discovered his love of entertainment at a young age with his radio debut on 3XY at age 11. He was a full-time announcer at the Melbourne station by the time he was 15. From the early 1960s to the late 1990s he was the face of a number of popular TV shows, including The Late Show, In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show, New Faces, Ford Superquiz, The Bert Newton Show, and Tonight with Bert Newton.