Glenn’s widow turns 97, ‘misses him terribly’

John Glenn’s widow says she misses him “terribly” and was touched by the outpouring of love and support when he died two months ago.

Annie Glenn turned 97 on Friday. On Thursday, she made her first public appearance since her husband’s memorial service, a reception at Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died Dec. 8 at age 95.

Annie Glenn told The Associated Press that losing her husband of 73 years has been difficult.

“Oh, gosh. It’s just awful, because we’ve known each other since we were 2 years old, and he and I, we were both on the same side, he was always helping me, with the kids and everything,” she said. “I really miss him terribly. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

John Glenn’s body lay in repose at the Statehouse before a public service attended by hundreds, including the U.S. vice president, current and former Ohio governors and other dignitaries.

“Wasn’t that special? I didn’t expect that at all,” she said. “It was very touching.”

Annie Glenn couldn’t quite say how her public pace may change now that John is gone and she has recovered after a recent fall.

“We always went to things together, and so it’s simply ...,” she said, reflecting. “I just can’t explain to you what I have to go through.”

Glenn said she fell about a month ago and has been recovering from the pain of three broken ribs and compressed vertebrae.