Patrick Duffy, After Losing His Wife of 43 Years, Didn’t Think He Could Move On but Found Love Again at 71
When Patrick Duffy’s wife of more than 40 years tragically died in 2017, his entire world fell apart. The actor believed he would never get over the heartbreak for years. However, he unexpectedly fell in love again in his seventies.
Patrick Duffy’s life revolved around the love story he shared with his wife for decades. After 43 years of marriage, they established a family and a strong spiritual bond that influenced him. After she passed away, he struggled with deep grief and embraced widowhood for years.
However, a surprising reunion made Duffy realize that even in the most unlikely situations, love might be reignited. Read about his long-lasting relationship with his first wife and how, years after her death, he was able to find happiness once more.
A Relationship That Withstood Time
When Duffy met his wife, Carlyn Rosser, in his final year of college, his life was irrevocably altered. Duffy was ten years younger than Rosser, who danced ballet for the First Chamber Dance Company of New York. However, despite their age difference, they remained connected and married for 43 years.
“I was an immature college graduate touring as narrator with this dance production, and she was a beautiful ballerina ten years older,” Duffy said when recalling their first encounter. We were lifelong friends after meeting on the tour bus.
Rosser introduced Duffy to Buddhism, which became a pillar of their relationship and led to their 1974 marriage in a Buddhist temple. Padraic, their first son, was born that same year.
The couple relocated to New York early in their marriage, where Duffy worked as a carpenter to support Rosser and their expanding family while pursuing acting and making appearances in Off-Broadway companies.
In the latter part of the 1970s, his acting career really took off. He worked as a house painter for a while before landing the part of Mark Harris in the television show “Man from Atlantis.” In 1978, he was cast as Bobby Ewing, the most famous character on “Dallas.”
Conor, Duffy and Rosser’s second son, was born around the same period. Their relationship was then put to the test in 1986 when the actor’s parents were brutally killed in a robbery at their Boulder, Montana, pub.
Duffy was deeply shaken by the horrific incident, but he managed to bear the anguish by leaning on Rosser and his Buddhist beliefs. “When my parents were murdered, I went through all the emotions of the horrific event — shock and anger and everything — but I never felt disconnected from [my parents],” Duffy said afterwards.
He attributed his ability to cope with the catastrophe to Buddhism. At this time, Rosser served as Duffy’s anchor as well. But in 2017, Rosser died at the age of 77, leaving him with an unfathomable tragedy. The family was shocked by her passing, and Duffy said that he found it difficult to cope.
In his reflection, he remarked, “My wife and I, in 48 years, we were always together.” “It was a surprise when she passed,” he added. There was no sign. Thus, that was the significant change.
“My heart stopped on this day six months ago, but I live on as she wishes,” Duffy posted on X, formerly Twitter, six months after her passing. We’ll be with each other forever. I appreciate your love and care.
Although he frequently believed it was his responsibility to assist them in processing their loss, the actor relied largely on his sons for support, stating, “My boys were there as stalwarts.” However, I also came to the realization that, despite their best efforts to support old Dad, I’m probably more accustomed to this situation than they are.”
The memories he had of Rosser gave Duffy comfort in spite of his heartbreak. “I feel close to her all the time,” he stated. “[…] What I miss most is her touch.” Along with expressing his sincere appreciation for their time together, he added, “I have worked hard to make the best of life, and it’s been good to me.”
Duffy acknowledged that he still thought of himself as a married man, but by 2019, he had accepted life as a widower. “I hear her. I see her. I strive to live up to her expectations because I know what they are,” he said.
Although Duffy was deeply saddened by Rosser’s passing, her memory kept guiding him. Her influence on his life, both spiritually and emotionally, continued to give him strength as he went on each day until the anticipated event occurred.
A Romance Found Again in an Unexpected Chapter
After the tragic death of his wife, Duffy never thought he would experience love again. However, as life frequently demonstrates, the most exquisite moments can appear when you least expect them. His romance with actress Linda Purl, which started during the peaceful days of the pandemic, gave him a second opportunity at happiness at the age of 71.
Duffy and Purl had been casual acquaintances for years, but eventually drifted apart. Through a group text chain with a mutual buddy, they were able to reunite in a chance encounter. The talks slowed over the next few weeks until they were between Duffy and Purl.
Simple conversations quickly developed into lengthy Zoom talks every night. “We Zoomed every single night for at least two to three hours,” Duffy said. “We looked into our past, our history, and our loves. We discussed everything you typically discuss throughout months of dating while listening to music together.
He made the decision to meet Purl face-to-face once their connection became evident. “I loaded up my car and drove 20 hours and ended up on her doorstep just to see if it was real,” he said. Since then, the two have been inseparable.
Purl described their relationship as “a very Victorian process” since they spent their time getting to know one another before it became amorous. In response, Duffy said he was shocked to rediscover love. “I never thought for a minute this would happen again,” stated the man. “I never thought I’d feel this way again.”
Their relationship felt so natural that they carried it into their careers. The pair appeared in a television film in 2021 as a married couple. It was an experience that Duffy had never had in his professional life.
“It’s the first time in my entire career that I got up in the morning with my costar and then walked to the set holding hands,” added the actor. Both on and offstage, the chemistry is strong. Additionally, it was a lot of fun to be together all the time and to express affection without fear.
Unlike young romances, they had a feeling of purpose and maturity in their partnership. “You eventually come to the conclusion that she is the main focus. How do I make her smile? “Duffy said.” “All of the trial and error that occurs in [younger] relationships has been gone. Everything is wonderful and positive.
Their love story was a message of hope for Purl. “Both positive and negative shocks abound in life. This was not what Patrick and I were searching for. When our paths crossed, we didn’t anticipate or see it coming. She said, “Never give up.”
“I feel, quite honestly, that it is keeping with the desires of my wife, the fact that we are intended to be happy,” Duffy says, expressing his belief that his late wife would have approved of his newfound happiness. Therefore, if it’s the proper thing, don’t let it pass you by. When it’s provided, consider it and take whatever action you choose.
Purl posted a charming photo of herself and Duffy grinning while enjoying their trip to Italy on Instagram in November.
One social media user said, “Gorgeous Couple♥️,” in response to the image. “❤️❤️❤️such cuties,” commented another, while a third penned, “Beautiful couple ❤️.” “You two look good together,” a fourth person commented. May God bless you! ❤️❤️❤️.
The story of Patrick Duffy is proof that love can endure and start over. Even if he found happiness with Linda Purl, her memory still lingers in him after decades with Rosser.
