PAUL YOUNG'S AGONY AS HIS WIFE DIES AT 52
Stacey loses two-year brain cancer fight
HEARTBROKEN singer Paul Young was in mourning last night after his wife Stacey died following a two-year battle with brain cancer.
The former model, 52, passed away in the presence of her husband, 62, and four children.
The star’s publicist said: “Stacey died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.”
POP singer Paul Young was being comforted last night after losing the love of his life to brain cancer.
The 80s superstar, who had hits including Every Time You Go Away and Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home), was besotted with Stacey – despite their ups and downs – after falling for her in 1983.
And he had never been more in love with his wife, he said in a recent interview.
“You have to work at marriage but it helps I know we were meant to be together,” he said.
“I have known that since I met her. She is funny. She has a good sense of humour. She’s a little bit wild, a little mad, but I love that about her.”
Paul met Stacey on the video shoot for his second single Come Back and Stay. They married in 1987 and have three children together – daughters Levi and Layla, and son Grady.
They split in 2006 before getting back together again three years later.
In the time they were separated, Stacey had her fourth child, son Jude, with Israeli businessman Ilan Slazenger. Following their reconciliation, the pop singer became Jude’s stepfather. “Our children’s friends love coming round to our house because we are not a conventional family,” he said of their home life. Friends of the couple rallied round last night, to send Paul their best wishes and pay tribute to Stacey. Founding member of Spandau Ballet, Steve Norman, said: “So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Stacey Young. “She was such a character and so down to earth. She featured in the Spandau video for Fight For Ourselves some years back. Sending love and best
So shocked, Stacey was such a character and down to earth STEVE NORMAN OF SPANDAU BALLET REACTS
wishes to Paul, the children and family.” EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer messaged the singer and said: “Hey Paul. I’m so sad and very sorry for your loss. I loved Stacey she was a beautiful angel inside and out. You are all in my prayers.”
Music agent Tony Denton wrote: “After a two-year battle with cancer my dear friend Stacey Young has passed away, an amazing lady who was always full of energy and so much fun and happiness, I will truly miss you, RIP my dear friend.”
Former Emmerdale actress Sheree Murphy sent a message to Paul, saying: “I’m so sorry for your loss Paul.. I met Stacey a few times and she was just the loveliest warm hearted lady.. thinking of you all at this sad time.”
She later added: “So sad to hear the news that Stacey Young has lost her battle with cancer. She was such a lovely lady. RIP Stacey, you’ll be missed.”
Comedian Julian Clary said: “So sorry to hear that Stacey Young has passed away. She was so kind, funny and bright. R.I.P.” Paul plays in a country-style band called Los Pacaminos, who performed two concerts last weekend.
They put a statement online saying: “Our thoughts and love are with you all at this very sad time Paul. Stacey will be greatly missed by all of us.”
Paul is also due to be playing solo gigs in just a week, with a six-date tour starting in Exeter on February 1. But it is thought these will now be postponed.
Charity Macmillan said: “Our thoughts are with Paul Young & his family following the news that his wife has sadly passed away. If you’ve been affected by cancer Macmillan Cancer is here to offer information and support.”
In 1986, when the couple were still dating, Stacey had a fling with motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd. But nothing could get in the way of their love for each other, and they went on to marry a year later.
When Stacey walked out on him for the second time in 2006, a devastated Paul moved out of the family home in Hadley Wood, Herts.
He tried dating other women and even agreed to help out in a restaurant she ran with her new man Slazenger.
However, after reuniting, Paul and Stacey remained a tight-knit family until the day she died.
In the 2014 interview, Paul added: “It was always important that things were as friendly as possible for the sake of the children. I don’t think they got too upset by it all. It’s been fine; none of them have had to go to therapy.”
He and Jude’s biological father Ilan remained on good terms after Stacey returned to the family home.
“It is just like any other normal family,” Paul told Loose Women. “We’re a blended family. “You have to have a certain amount of acceptance of things, otherwise you can never move on. I try to accept what’s in front of me and deal with it.”