Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio has posted their last photo together, captured in January (Picture: Instagram/andre_portasio)
Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio has spoken out for the first time since confirming his partner’s death earlier this week.
The national treasure died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening aged 67, Portasio confirmed.
Producer Portasio has now shared a photo of himself and Paul on holiday and revealed it was the last ever photo they took together.
He also thanked well-wishers, telling them he’s been ‘touched’ by all their support.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Portasio wrote: ‘In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support. I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!’
He added: ‘Browsing for a picture I found the last picture we ever took together. Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together.’
The national treasure died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening aged 67, Portasio confirmed this week (Picture: Can Nguyen/Shutterstock)
The happy couple could be seen lapping up the sunshine in a tropical destination (Picture: Instagram/andre_portasio)
Portasio also thanked well-wishers, telling them he’s been ‘touched’ by all their support (Picture: Instagram/andre_portasio)
Hours earlier, O’Grady’s close friend Linda Thorson revealed the star died in his own bed with his husband next to him.
Addressing his husband’s death earlier this week, Portasio said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
‘We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
‘He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
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‘I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.’
Tributes have been pouring in from the entertainment world, with Carol Vorderman and Lorraine Kelly among the first to pay their respects, while the royal family also shared their condolences.
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The national treasure died this week.