A special headstone has finally been put in place for beloved TV star Paul O’Grady – two and a half years after he died.
The much-loved entertainer and comedian died at his home in Aldington, near Ashford, in March 2023 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, a cardiac arrest with no known cause.
Paul O’Grady’s headstone has finally been erected. Picture: Andre Portasio/Paul O’Grady Instagram
Since then, the 67-year-old’s widow Andre Portasio has fought for his husband to be given a headstone at his grave in St Rumwold’s Church, Bonnington.
After a lengthy battle, the final design has been placed at his grave – also bearing the name of his former long-term partner Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005, and a figurine of his dog, Buster.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Andre, who now manages O’Grady’s account, 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.
“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.”
Prior to the headstone being put in, the plot was marked by wooden crosses and personal mementos.
O’Grady rose to fame with his drag queen persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 1990s before going on to host a string of television programmes, including Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
Paul O’Grady on the set of his talk show in 2004. Picture: ITV
He had previously survived three heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014 and suffered kidney failure. He talked very openly about his battle with Covid in April 2020.
He hosted his own daytime chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, which began airing in 2004, followed by the New Paul O’Grady Show.
In 2008 he was made an MBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours for services to entertainment.