Paul O'Grady emotional death update as fans left 'weeping' at headstone
Reach Daily Express October 04, 2025 05:39 AM

Paul O'Grady's grave finally has a headstone - two and a half years after his death. The TV presenter died at his home in Aldington, near Ashford, Kent, in March 2023 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 67, and he was laid to rest the following month in St. Rumwold's Churchyard in Bonnington, Kent.

However, the star's resting place has never been properly marked until now. For two and a half years, his grave was adorned by wooden crosses and ornaments and was notably missing a headstone. Now, after a "lengthy" application process, his widow, Andre Portasio, took to Paul's Instagram account on Friday to announce that he has placed the "final design" of Paul's headstone at his grave. The headstone is dark grey, and it bears Paul's name, as well as the name of his former long-term partner, Brendan Murphy - who died after suffering from an inoperable brain tumour in 2005 and is buried alongside Paul - and a figurine of Paul's dog Buster.

Captioning a photo of the headstone, Andre wrote: "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.

"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."

As well as Paul and Brendan's names, and the figurine of Buster, the headstone also features one of Paul's "favourite" quotes, which is from Philosopher Michel de Montaigne.

Andre concluded the post's caption with: "As one of his favourite quotes, 'The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be one's own self.' - Montaigne #paulogrady."

Paul's fans were quick to offer the widow their support as they expressed happiness over Paul's resting place finally being completed. One wrote: "It just makes me weep with happiness that you were kind and generous enough to include Murphy in this: Such a beautiful and selfless gesture."

A second person wrote: "Beautiful. little Buster sat there so proud. I'd love to go visit this." And a third follower penned: "This is beautiful and how wonderful to have Buster there too xx."

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