-
Engelbert Humperdinck Opens Up About His Wife’s Alzheimer’s Battle: ‘I Lost Her Long Before She Died’
Patricia Healey wasn’t just Engelbert Humperdinck’s wife – she was his partner in everything. And when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it began a long, painful journey not only for her, but for him too. For years, Engelbert opened up in interviews about the emotional toll it took on them both.
🧠 “She didn’t remember my name, but I never forgot hers”
In the early 2010s, Patricia began showing signs of memory loss. Engelbert, still an active touring artist, quickly rearranged his life to be closer to her. He canceled shows, shortened tours, and eventually brought medical care into their home.
“Singing to a crowd of thousands was never as scary as singing to my wife, who no longer recognized me,” he confessed in a 2018 interview.
He described Alzheimer’s as a “silent thief,” stealing his wife piece by piece – her memories, her voice, her gaze.
❤️ Love as a remedy, even without a cure
Engelbert spared no effort in trying to ease her condition. He experimented with aromatherapy, music therapy, holistic care, and daily prayer.
“I prayed every night. I hoped for the tiniest miracle.”
Though Patricia’s decline continued, Engelbert remained hopeful, believing that his love could somehow make the days a bit more bearable—for both of them.
💔 A final hymn as she passed
In early 2021, while already weakened by Alzheimer’s, Patricia contracted COVID-19. Engelbert held her hand as she slipped away, singing a hymn in her final moments.
“I sang her a hymn, and she took her last breath. That moment broke me.”
He later released the song “You” as a tribute to her, a personal farewell wrapped in melody and memory.