The husband of the late Paul O’Grady has shared that he is “pleased” to give an update about the final resting place of the Wirral-born icon. The TV star, from Birkenhead, died aged 67 at his home in Kent on March 28, 2023.
His death certificate revealed that he died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, this was linked to the entertainer’s ischemic heart disease. His husband Andre Portasio, who married Paul during a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017, said in his statement following his death: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly.”
Andre has since taken over the Instagram account of the Lily Savage star. He uploads photos and insights into his life and often pays tribute to his late husband. On Instagram, Andre said: “I am very pleased to share that, after two and a half years since Paul’s passing and a lengthy application process, we have finally placed the final design of his headstone at his grave.
“My heartfelt thanks to the Commissary Court of the Diocese of Canterbury, the Parish of Bonnington, and the Church of St. Rumwold. Special appreciation to Robin Hopkins, Commissary General of the Diocese of Canterbury, for granting permission for the final design, which features a replica of Buster similar to the one at Battersea headquarters.”
Sharing a more personal message to Paul, Andre added: “I miss him dearly every day, but I am grateful that his resting place is now complete. I hope he would be pleased with the final design.”
Andre previously revealed that the addition of a small statue of a dog will serve as an honouring tribute to Paul’s “unwavering love and support” of dogs and animals. The 43-year-old has consistently expressed his support for the outpouring of love since Paul’s unexpected death over two years ago.
He opened up on his appreciation for everyone who visited the grave and supported the church community, telling followers “Your kindness and compassion mean the world to me. I look forward to finally being able to give Paul a deserving and fitting resting place.”
Paul and Andre moved in together following the pandemic. They shared their Adlington home in Kent with their beloved brood of animals including five rescue dogs, Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie and Sausage, as well as pigs, alpacas, chickens, sheep and goats.
After the latest update about Paul’s headstone, fans have sent love to the family. Former Coronation Street actress Lisa George commented “Awww Buster!!! He came on tour with us in 1997!!! Lovely headstone. Can’t believe it’s been two years already.”
Fans wrote “Can you imagine how many dogs were there waiting for him at the rainbow bridge. Ready to show him all the love he showed them. RIP Paul.”
Another fan said: “Beautiful! When I was editor of Gay Times, and having a tough day, I used to find flimsy excuses to call Paul and he always left me in stitches and uplifted! I wish I thanked him!”
Further responses included: “My ongoing sadness since his death has been that he never recorded audiobooks of his various volumes of memoirs – I long to hear them all read in his own voice now, but reading them again does conjure up his voice somehow, as they were so very much “him”.”
Paul had audiences in stitches for more than three decades and firmly positioned himself as not only a Merseyside legend – but one of our national treasures.