Former Loose Women panellist Jane McDonald has made a deeply emotional revelation, stating she would "give everything up" in a heartbreaking admission following a personal diagnosis. The singer and television presenter has spoken candidly about the profound loss of her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, and the subsequent life changes she has endured since his passing.
A Devastating Loss and Diagnosis
Jane McDonald's world was shattered in 2017 when her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, best known as the drummer for bands like Liquid Gold and The Searchers, succumbed to lung cancer. McDonald, who became Rothe's full-time carer towards the end of his life, recalls that his illness began with a persistent cough that ultimately led to the devastating diagnosis.
In a recent interview with the Guardian, McDonald disclosed that she has since been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the trauma surrounding Eddie's death. "If I could bring back Ed, I would give everything up and have him back," she confessed, highlighting the depth of her grief.
Leaving Behind a Home Filled with Memories
The emotional toll prompted McDonald to make significant lifestyle changes, including the decision to sell the £1 million bungalow in Wakefield, Yorkshire, which she shared with Eddie and her late mother, Jean. "I found it difficult. There was too much history there," she explained to Mail Online, describing the property as a repository of painful memories.
McDonald detailed the arduous process of sorting through two decades of possessions, many tied to distressing recollections. "Seven skips later! I was ashamed of myself. You've got to let it all go," she said, noting the support of close friend Sue Ravey, who encouraged her to photograph sentimental items before discarding them.
A Love Story Spanning Decades
Jane and Eddie's romance was a tale of second chances. They first dated as teenagers in Wakefield before parting ways, only to rekindle their relationship almost three decades later after a chance encounter on the television show This Morning. Their engagement was announced in 2008, with McDonald often praising Rothe for his unwavering support of her career.
In her 2019 autobiography, Riding The Waves: My Story, McDonald vividly recalled the moment Eddie proposed, describing an emotional scene where both were moved to tears, much to the confusion of onlookers.
Finding Peace and Moving Forward
Despite the heartache, McDonald expresses gratitude for the time she shared with Eddie. "I feel blessed to have been able to spend as much time with him as I did," she reflected. She has since purchased a seaside property, seeking solace and tranquility. "We all need peace in our lives, and I've got that now," she affirmed.
McDonald also emphasizes celebrating Eddie's life rather than dwelling in sadness. "He was a wonderful, beautiful soul," she said, adding that she feels his presence constantly, especially through her music.
Career Highlights and New Ventures
Jane McDonald rose to fame after appearing on the series The Cruise in 1998, which led to a record deal and a number-one self-titled album that same year. Her tenure as a Loose Women panellist from 2004 to 2013 cemented her status as a beloved television personality.
Fans can look forward to seeing McDonald back on screens in Jane McDonald in Nashville, a two-part Channel 5 special exploring Tennessee in the United States, airing from 9pm. This project marks a new chapter in her career as she continues to navigate life after loss.
