What You Didn't Know About Meat Loaf's Wife
Marvin Lee Aday, the singer known as Meat Loaf, died at the age of 74 on January 20, 2022 (via The New York Times and CNN). A statement announcing the "Bat Out of Hell" singer's death said, "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours."
Many fans may not know that Meat Loaf was married to a Canadian woman named Deborah Gillespie for 14 years, having wed her in 2007 (via The Sun). As the Daily Mail notes, Gillespie was actually his second wife, with the singer having previously been married to Leslie Edmonds, with whom he shared his two daughters. They divorced in 2001.
Newsweek reports Gillespie and her famous husband worked together in the star's later career. Their private life was kept out of the spotlight it seems, although we do know they shared two homes — one in Texas, which is where Meat Loaf is from, and the other in Los Angeles (via IMDb).
Deborah Gillespie has a message for Meat Loaf fans
Our hearts go out to Gillespie, who was a stepmom to Meat Loaf's daughters, as she begins to cope with the loss of her husband. But she is thinking of us, the fans, in her time of grief.
In the family's statement announcing the death of the singer and actor, they paid tribute to Meat Loaf's impressive career and shared a special message for his fans, suggesting a way to honor the iconic star. "[Meat Loaf's] amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including 'Fight Club,' 'Focus,' 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' and 'Wayne's World,'" the statement read (via Meaww).
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man," the statement continued. "We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls...don't ever stop rocking!"