Cynthia Lennon, the ex-wife of John Lennon, died on Wednesday of cancer at her home in Mallorca, Spain. She was 75. John and Cynthia Lennon were married from 1962 to 1968 and had one child, Julian Lennon. Julian was with his mother when she passed away.
A representative for Julian Lennon posted a statement on his website announcing his mother’s passing.
“Cynthia Lennon passed away today at her home in Mallorca, Spain following a short but brave battle with cancer. Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers.
Please respect their privacy at this difficult time,” the statement reads.
John and Cynthia Lennon met while they were attending the Liverpool College of Art, right before the Beatles became famous.
“I got pregnant, we got married, the Beatles began–and we were all plunged into the whirlwind,” she said in an interview with People magazine back in 1981.
"You gave your life for me": Julian Lennon posts musical tribute to mom Cynthia Lennon, who died today http://t.co/AJzMIJhdOO
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) April 1, 2015
John and Cynthia divorced, and he married Yoko Ono a year later. Yoko Ono and John Lennon remained married until his death in 1981.
Julian Lennon posted the following tribute to his mom on his website and on his YouTube page.
Many people weren’t aware that Cynthia Lennon even existed during the early days of the Beatles. The band’s management did their best to keep her hidden, so John Lennon would appeal to more teenage girls.
Cynthia Lennon wrote two books throughout the years that detailed her time married to the Beatles legend. In 1978, she published a book of memoirs called A Twist of Lennon, followed by a more intimate biography called John, that was published in 2005.
Condolences are likely going out to Julian Lennon from around the world on the death of his mother.
Do you suppose he will hear from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr–the only surviving members of The Beatles?