Fans of Patrick Swayze are still grieving the loss of the renowned actor, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 57 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Swayze, known for his roles in iconic romantic films like Dirty Dancing and Ghost, had a love story in real life that was even more captivating than his on-screen performances. He and his wife Lisa Niemi were married for 34 years.
Wikimedia CommonsNiemi shared intimate details of Swayze’s final days, including his last words, in the documentary “I am Patrick Swayze,” broadcasted on his birthday in August.
Their love story began before Swayze’s fame, with their paths crossing in 1975 when Niemi, a teenager at the time, took dance lessons from Swayze’s mother.
“I was 14 when I first saw him,” wrote Niemi in her memoirs Worth Fighting For. “Patrick had tanned skin, a beautiful smile, and a reputation as a Casanova.”
Their love story unfolded like a script from one of Swayze’s beloved movies.
“The first time Patrick and I danced was at a school exhibition,” Niemi reminisced in the documentary, according to ET. “We stepped onto the stage… I looked into his eyes, it was like everything came to life.”
Despite Swayze’s global sex symbol status and accolades such as being named the world’s sexiest man by People Magazine, he remained a devoted husband throughout their 30-year marriage.
However, their happiness was shattered when Swayze received a devastating pancreatic cancer diagnosis after three decades of marriage.
ShutterstockAs Swayze’s health declined in 2009, he made the heartbreaking decision to discontinue chemotherapy due to his weakened state.
“I had to let him go, or it would destroy my heart,” Niemi expressed. “But my heart was already shattered. It felt like I had failed. The only way to cope was to remind myself that it wasn’t about me, it was about our love. I had to release him.”
Niemi remained by Swayze’s side during his final moments, cherishing their last loving words to each other.
“My last words to Patrick? ‘I love you,’ and those were his final words to me,” she recounted.
“I was lying beside Patrick, holding his hand, feeling his pulse. Shortly after, he had stopped breathing.”
On September 14, 2009, Swayze passed away, leaving fans worldwide mourning his loss, with none feeling the void more than his devoted wife.
A decade since his passing, Patrick Swayze remains alive through his timeless performances and in the hearts of those who miss him dearly every day.
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