Estranged wife with star when he died
Lyndsay looked after rocker despite love split
STATUS Quo rocker Rick Parfitt’s estranged wife Lyndsay was back caring for him when he died.
The legendary guitarist lost his battle with a severe infection on Saturday after going to hospital in Spain two days earlier with complications from a shoulder injury.
As Rick’s family mourned yesterday, a close friend revealed that Lyndsay was “looking after him at the end” and had arranged for him to be admitted to hospital in Marbella. She and Rick had split in September. Rick’s friend, Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey, tweeted: “My heart goes out to Lyndsay. The only person left looking after Rick Parfitt at the end was his loving wife.
“A traumatic week for all of us who were close to Rick. A teenager who never grew up but the best friend anyone could have.”
Rick and Lyndsay had separated after rows over his health and finances.
But the couple, who shared “miracle” eight-yearold IVF twins Tommy and Lily, remained close friends.
Rick’s manager Simon Porter said he was in good spirits days before his death. He had dinner with the star in Malaga on Tuesday and they met again on Wednesday.
Simon said: “Although he was in pain from a shoulder injury as a result of an accidental fall, he was extremely excited about the future.”
Rick’s family said on Christmas Eve: “We are truly devastated.
“He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.”
Rick’s son Rick jnr wrote on Facebook: “We are all completely numb.
“To many, he was a gifted musician, rock star and friend, but to us he was simply dad. Our hearts hurt so much.”
Rick had suffered heart attacks in 2011 and 2013 and clinically died for three-and-a-half minutes in June after a third attack.
After a miracle recovery, he joked: “It’ll take more than death to kill me.”
But he was left with “mild cognitive impairments” and pulled out of all further tours on doctors’ orders.
Simon said: “I think we all thought Rick was invincible. Sadly, as we now know, his luck had run out.
“Quo fans should take comfort in the fact that his passing came when he was in a happier place career-wise than he had been for a long long time.”
He was in good spirits and extremely excited about the future MANAGER