Michael Palin confirmed the devastating news about his wife

Renowned Monty Python star Michael Palin is mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Helen Gibbins, who passed away after a long battle with chronic pain and kidney failure. The couple, who had been married for 57 years, shared a deep connection and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Palin announced the heartbreaking news on his website, expressing his profound grief and emphasizing the significant role Helen played in his life. The actor, 79, wrote:

My dearest wife Helen died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She had been suffering with chronic pain for several years, which was compounded a few years ago by a diagnosis of kidney failure.

Palin continued by recalling their first meeting and marriage:

We first met on a summer holiday on the Suffolk coast when we were both sixteen and we married in our early twenties. Two and a half weeks ago we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary.

The Monty Python star added that his wife's death is 'an indescribable loss':

Her death is an indescribable loss for myself, our three children and four grandchildren.

Early years and enduring love

According to TheGuardian, Michael Palin and Helen Gibbins first crossed paths as teenagers during a summer holiday on the Suffolk coast. They were both 16 years old at the time, and little did they know that their meeting would be the start of a lifelong journey together.

The couple tied the knot in their early twenties and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Their union brought them three children: Thomas, 54, William, 52, and Rachel, 48.

Tragically, Helen Gibbins endured chronic pain for several years, which greatly impacted her quality of life. Additionally, a diagnosis of kidney failure compounded her suffering. Last year, Palin revealed that Helen had moved into respite care after conventional pain medication failed to provide relief. He told The Independent:

I don’t think you can cure it, but they will help her manage it. It’s such a bore. She was so active and still is, mentally. But we’re both getting on a bit. The body is declining. She’s going to be 80 in October, I’m going to be 80 at the beginning of next year. We live life with our fingers crossed.

Gibbins' special role in her husband's career

Born in Sheffield, England, on May 5, 1943, Palin studied history at Oxford University before joining the comedy group Monty Python in 1969.

With Monty Python, Palin co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus, which ran from 1969 to 1974. The show became a huge hit, and Palin's work on it helped establish him as a talented comic actor and writer.

After Monty Python, Palin went on to have a successful solo career in television, writing and presenting numerous travel documentaries, including Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole, Full Circle, and Himalaya.These shows saw Palin travel to remote corners of the world, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, and were widely acclaimed for their entertaining and insightful storytelling.

Throughout their decades-long marriage, Helen stood by Michael Palin's side as he embarked on daring travel adventures and pursued his creative endeavors. The Mirror reports that as a television producer and director at the BBC, Helen played a pivotal role in shaping numerous programs, including documentaries, dramas, and children's shows.

According to TheIndependent, she also contributed her expertise as a script editor and consultant on productions like Eastenders, The Bill, and Silent Witness. Michael acknowledged his wife's influence and credited her as a co-writer on several of his books, highlighting their collaboration and shared creativity.

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Sources:

The Independent: Michael Palin opens up about grief after death of Helen, his wife of 57 years

The Guardian: ‘The bedrock of my life’: Michael Palin announces the death of his wife Helen