John Lydon’s wife Nora Forster, married for nearly five decades, has died at the age of 80 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a statement on the former Sex Pistols frontman’s Twitter account.
The singer, formerly known as Johnny Rotten, 67, has often spoken about being a full-time carer to Nora, who he previously said he “always loved” and couldn’t live without.
A heartfelt statement on his account read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Nora Forster – John Lydon’s wife of almost five decades – has passed away.
“Nora has been living with Alzheimer’s for several years. By that time, John had become her full-time carer. Please respect John’s grief and give him space. Rest in peace Nora.’
The British punk pioneer lived with Nora in Southern California and was her primary caregiver for about five years after she was diagnosed with the disease – a neurodegenerative condition that ultimately leads to death.
John Lydon’s wife Nora Forster has died aged 80, according to a statement on the former Sex Pistols frontman’s Twitter account. Pictured together in 2005
Lydon, 67, recently admitted life without the publishing heiress, his 44-year-old wife, was unthinkable. They are pictured together in the late 1970’s
Lydon, 67, married Nora in 1979 and recently admitted life without the former model would be “unbearable”.
Born Nora Maier, Nora was a German publishing heiress who later became a music promoter
The pair met at Vivienne Westwood’s famous King’s Road Shop for sex in 1975, but were initially warned against each other by friends.
Still, Lydon said they had an immediate and explosive bond — one that would last a lifetime.
‘It’s love, you know. I have always loved this woman. And she knows it. When we met, we didn’t expect to get ahead. We had both been told the other was a bad girl. But damn. sparks flew. It was an instant attraction,” he told The Guardian last year.
“And that never goes away. I never expected to feel like this. I never thought I was attractive in any way. Or someone’s idea of a good date.”
The former Sex Pistol has remained faithful to his wife despite the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle he has led, telling Yahoo that as a star of one of the biggest bands on the planet you’ve been faced with “sex, left, right and centre”.
“No, that wasn’t for me… I don’t like this frivolity. I grew up with teething, and I kind of felt like there was something wrong with me,” Lydon said, referring to a battle with spinal meningitis at age 7 that led to him spending a year in the hospital.
Lydon suffered severe memory loss for four years after the illness, an experience he said helped him understand the illness and his wife’s needs.
“I know this fear of isolation. I know what it’s like to be totally scared and not knowing where you are.”
John Lydon with wife Nora Forster Shockwaves NME Awards 2011, Brixton Academy
The years since Nora’s diagnosis in 2018 have become more bearable, he said, as the two continue to dance together, watch TV and reflect on vacation memories.
He added that despite her worsening illness and memory loss, his beloved wife has not walked away.
“For me, the real person is still there. That person I love is still there every minute of every day, and that’s my life,” he said.
Lydon remained loyal to his wife despite the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle he led. Pictured together in 1986
In her final years, Lydon added that Alzheimer’s experts were amazed at how much Nora continued to remember him, saying, “A little love goes a long way.”
He and his wife’s devotion to each other was clear — and after decades of being together, he said there would be “no one else” for either of them if the other died.
Speaking of his role as his wife’s full-time carer, the Public Image Ltd (PiL) singer told The Times in February: “All things that I thought were the ultimate torment now seem absurd to me… It shaped me into who I am .
Nora Forster, model and publishing heiress, was active on the music scene in Germany when the couple met in the 1970s
“I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. I don’t see how I can live without her. I would not want. It’s useless.’
“And I’m sorry, but it’s worth every moment. No joy comes without pain and boy do I know that now.’
“It’s not a job at all,” he said of caring for Nora. “You commit to one person and nothing changes. Those are the cards life deals, and my mom and dad were right: never feel sorry for yourself. Always.’
London-born Lydon, perhaps best known for his band’s groundbreaking punk rock tracks like God Save the Queen, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s.
Lydon recently auditioned to represent Ireland – his parents’ country of birth – with the self-penned title Hawaii, a song inspired by his wife’s condition
He recently auditioned with his band Public Image Ltd (PiL) to represent Ireland – his parents’ native country – and perform the self-penned track ‘Hawaii’.
He fought back tears in January as he revealed the song was dedicated to Nora and inspired by her condition.
Explaining the lyrics to the song, John said: “It’s dedicated to everyone who’s going through hard times on life’s journey with the person they care about most.
“It’s also a message of hope that love will eventually conquer all.”
John Lydon and Nora Forster in 1984. The couple had been married for almost five decades
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, he added of the tune: “This is the start of a new journey. Strangely, as bad as Alzheimer’s is, there are great moments of tenderness between us.
“I try to capture that in the song. It’s not all waiting for the Grim Reaper. I can see the personality in her eyes that lets me know.
“Your communication skills are failing you. I’m just blessed to be able to be there and hear that and share something useful with others.
Lydon explained that through his time as a caregiver, he understood the devastating impact an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can have on couples.
“I’m taking care of all his victims now. Especially spouses who have to put up with it. What you have to do is fight.”
John Lyndon, aka Johnny Rotten, and Nora Foster attend the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival
In the song, which he described as a “love letter” to his wife, Lydon reflected on his forty-plus years with Nora and specifically one of their happiest moments in Hawaii.
Speaking to The Sun, John discussed the song’s lyrics, “Remember me, I remember you,” and how he was overcome by the sadness of the illness.
“We once had a great vacation in Hawaii after a tour and it was just the greatest week of our lives.
The former Sex Pistol appeared on Loose Women in 2021 and said of caring for his wife, “It’s both physically and mentally exhausting… but at least she’s happy and that’s it.”
While his audition for this year’s Eurovision was unsuccessful, the singer drew attention to Alzheimer’s before rejoining his wife in LA and resuming his starring role as her carer
“Now her memories are fading, I wanted to bring something like that back to her. I leave just thinking about it.’
Seeing his emotion, GMB presenter Susanna Reid said: “Tell us about Nora because whatever happens, if you secure the nomination for the performance, you’ve already won.
“This song is beautiful and I know it makes you very emotional, the process of writing it, tell us about your wife.
“You are her caregiver, she has been suffering from dementia with Alzheimer’s for years, but you have a very special bond, don’t you?”
While his Dublin audition for this year’s Eurovision was unsuccessful, the singer drew attention to the illness before rejoining his wife in Los Angeles and resuming his starring role as her carer.
The former Sex Pistol also appeared on Loose Women in 2021 and said of caring for his wife, “It’s both physically and mentally exhausting … but at least she’s happy and that’s it.”
Lydon rose to fame with The Sex Pistols alongside guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977
Punk Pioneers: (LR) Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Sid Vicious, Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols during their recent tour
Lydon rose to fame in the 1970s with The Sex Pistols along with guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977.
He was the lead singer from 1975 to 1978 and later fronted the band on various revivals in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Sex Pistols’ sole album, Never Mind the B*****ks, Here’s the Sex Pistols (1977) – a number one in the UK – is now a staple of punk rock.
In 1978, Lydon formed PiL, with the band’s first line-up consisting of bassist Jah Wobble and ex-Clash guitarist Keith Levene.
In 2020, Lydon spoke about scrapping a much-anticipated Public Image Ltd (PiL) album to focus on caring for his wife.
The British punk pioneer lived with Nora in Southern California and was her main carer for about five years after she was diagnosed with the condition
In response to John Lydon’s announcement that his wife Nora Forster had passed away, Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive at Dementia UK:
“We are saddened to hear that John’s wife Nora has passed away after living with Alzheimer’s for several years and we extend our condolences to him and his family.
“Through his work over the past few months, John has raised tremendous awareness of the impact that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can have. By sharing his personal experiences, he has undoubtedly helped others find the support they need.
“The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences many of us will ever experience and we hope they receive the support they need as they grieve.”
The charity urged families affected by dementia to contact their specialist helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected].
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease in which the buildup of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.
This disrupts the transmitters that transmit messages and causes the brain to shrink.
More than 5 million people have the disease in the US, where it is the sixth leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it.
WHAT HAPPENS?
When brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost.
These include memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason.
The course of the disease is slow and insidious.
On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some can live 10 to 15 years.
EARLY SYMPTOMS:
- loss of short-term memory
- disorientation
- behavior changes
- mood swings
- Difficulty handling money or using the phone
LATER SYMPTOMS:
- Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places
- Anxious and frustrated with inability to understand the world, leading to aggressive behavior
- Eventually lose the ability to walk
- May have trouble eating
- The majority will eventually require 24-hour care
Source: Alzheimer’s Association