Introduction:
Engelbert Humperdinck: A Heartbreaking Farewell to the Love of His Life
Engelbert Humperdinck is one of the most celebrated international artists in music history. With over 140 million records sold worldwide, including 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, his voice has touched generations. He’s a four-time Grammy nominee, has stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and honors in his native England. But behind the accolades lies a story of deep personal battles—stage fright, poor management, and most devastating of all, the loss of his beloved wife, Patricia Healey.
From Shy Boy to Global Icon
Born Arnold George Dorsey on May 2, 1936, Engelbert was the ninth of ten children. Far from the spotlight, he was a painfully shy child—so timid he would only sing if hidden behind a curtain or under a table. He left school at 15 to honor his father’s wishes and took up an engineering apprenticeship, which lasted just a year. At 17, he sang publicly for the first time at a local club—and something clicked.
It was far from instant fame. His early recordings failed to chart, and he struggled with health setbacks like a nine-month battle with tuberculosis. Yet his breakthrough came when he met Gordon Mills, Tom Jones’ manager, who encouraged him to change his name to Engelbert Humperdinck—a bold new identity for a bold new career.
In 1967, Engelbert released two of his biggest hits: “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz”. Both sold over a million copies and catapulted him into international stardom. More hits followed, including “After the Lovin’” and “This Moment in Time”, cementing his place as one of music’s great romantic crooners.
The One Woman Who Had His Heart
While millions swooned over his velvet voice, Engelbert gave his heart to just one woman: Patricia Healey. They met in 1956 at a dance hall in Lancaster. She was 17. He was 20. Fame hadn’t yet arrived, but love did—swiftly and lastingly. They married in 1964 and built a life between England and the U.S., raising four children along the way.
Though the early years were tough—money was tight and Engelbert was still chasing recognition—Patricia stood by him unwaveringly. He often credited her with keeping him grounded and giving him the strength to endure the music industry’s relentless demands.
Losing Patricia
In early 2021, tragedy struck. Both Engelbert and Patricia contracted COVID-19, and due to her pre-existing battle with Alzheimer’s disease, she was unable to receive the treatment she needed. Engelbert made an emotional plea on social media, asking fans to pray for a miracle. He tried everything—from stem cell treatments in Germany to holy water from the River Seine.
But on February 4, 2021, Patricia passed away of cardiac arrest at the age of 85, surrounded by their children at their Bel-Air home. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Engelbert called her a “brave warrior” in her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s. He later appeared on the UK talk show Loose Women to raise awareness and honor her memory, sharing, “I will love her beyond words, forever and always.”
Letting Go to Move Forward
As a form of emotional release, Engelbert decided to sell their beloved Bel-Air estate—a 5,600-square-foot home he had purchased in 2005. The property, complete with a movie theater, wine cellar, gym, and guest apartment, was more than just real estate—it was part of a shared dream. But now, it was time to let go.
This wasn’t his first experience in real estate. He once owned the famous Pink Palace and the La Paz Hotel in Mexico. Yet it was his deep ties to Leicester, England that remained closest to his heart. He auctioned off a motorbike in 2005 to support local air ambulance services and was honored with a Doctorate of Music, Freedom of the City, and a plaque on the Leicester Walk of Fame.
Healing Through Song
In the months following Patricia’s passing, Engelbert found it nearly impossible to sing. Every lyric reminded him of their life together. The grief was unbearable—just as it had been in 1988 when his mother passed away. She came out of a coma just long enough to say, “Promise to take care of yourself. I love you.”
Eventually, Engelbert found solace in the only place that ever felt like home—the stage. He resumed touring in late 2021, starting with a show at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. Every performance, he says, is a tribute to Patricia. Every note is sung with her in mind.
“She would want me to keep singing. So I sing for her, and I heal through the music.”
“I will love her beyond words, forever and always.” – Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert’s story isn’t just one of stardom, but of resilience, devotion, and undying love. In every concert, in every encore, lives the echo of a man who never stopped loving the woman who believed in him before the world ever did.