Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of John Lennon, has died at the age of 75.
She met John when they were at art college students in Liverpool in 1958. They married in 1962, after discovering she was pregnant with their son Julian.
The couple divorced in 1968, after John met Yoko Ono. She remarried three times, and in later years lived with her fourth husband Noel Charles on the Spanish island of Majorca.
Cynthia Lennon – In Loving Memory http://t.co/jI4ONUnLo9 pic.twitter.com/cwue6VmPUv
— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) April 1, 2015
Cynthia died on 1 April 2015 at her home in Majorca. The news was announced in a statement on Julian Lennon’s website:
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.
Julian also posted a tribute on YouTube, featuring still images of the Lennon family:
Peace and love to Julian Lennon God bless Cynthia love Ringo and Barbaraxx
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) April 1, 2015
I am so devastated this morning with the loss of my good friend.http://t.co/iQ4UFRDL0V http://t.co/AJ8DZzzi4E
— May Pang (@maypang) April 1, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Cynthia Lennon's family at this sad time. Such warm memories of a lovely lady RIP http://t.co/aYA8CpCUTU
— The Cavern Club (@cavernliverpool) April 1, 2015
Rest in peace Cynthia Lennon; a remarkable woman and a true friend to the Beatles Story. pic.twitter.com/Q4YeCWFOMs
— The Beatles Story (@beatlesstory) April 1, 2015
Sincere condolences to @JulianLennon. I met Cynthia several times and she was always warm, funny, upbeat. After an extraordinary life, RIP.
— Mark Lewisohn (@marklewisohn) April 1, 2015
Also on this day...
- 2019: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi, Sendai
- 2003: Paul McCartney live: Sportpaleis, Antwerp
- 2002: Paul McCartney live: Oakland Arena, Oakland
- 1990: Paul McCartney live: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley
- 1973: John Lennon and Yoko Ono write the Declaration of Nutopia
- 1970: Recording: Across The Universe, The Long And Winding Road, I Me Mine
- 1969: Television: John Lennon and Yoko Ono interviewed on Today
- 1967: Recording, mixing: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
- 1966: John Lennon buys Timothy Leary’s The Psychedelic Experience
- 1965: Brian Epstein takes over the Saville Theatre, London
- 1965: Filming: Help!
- 1964: John Lennon is reunited with his father Alf
- 1964: Filming: A Hard Day’s Night
- 1963: Radio: Side By Side
- 1962: The Beatles live: Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool
- 1961: The Beatles live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
Such a sad day
Cynthia Lennon, one of the kindness people I have ever met, we will miss you. RIP my friend.
My sincere condolences to Julian. God Bless.
I was going to say the exact same thing Walzer. Lots of love to Julian and to all those that loved her. I always admired her. She seemed like a very strong but kind lady. Very sad indeed.
A very sad day. She will be in our heart.
All my condolences to Julian.
I read the news yesterday evening….Oh Boy, it’s like losing a family member. I read her first book in 1978, bought it at heathrow airport, “a twist of Lennon”, rest in peace Cyn, and give my regards to John and George. It’s a sad day for all “beatle people”.
So sad…she was a beautiful woman. Julian’s tribute to his mother is a treasure. What is that song, by the way?
Wonderful lady in every sense. Another treasure lost from our memories. Rest in peace.
Beautiful song, loved it…
Imagine more people like Cynthia Lennon in the world.
You may I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
George Vreeland Hill
Cyn Forever to Beatles fans. God bless you and rest in peace.
Massively overlooked in the world’s media this week – is the fact that John Lennon wrote the song, ‘In My Life’ which was dedicated and inspired by his (unconditional) love for Cynthia. So much so, that the complete lyrics are written out in full, at the very beginning of her 2005 autobiography, entitled ‘John’.
Also at the beginning of her book are copies, in his own handwriting, of some of the letters which John wrote to her – declaring his love for her.
There is a saying which goes ‘Those who triumph (survive longer) are the ones who write and record history’ – and from that stance alone, it means that all attempts (so far) to marginalise and belittle the importance of the contribution, of Cynthia Lennon’s role in the ‘history’ of the Beatles and John Lennon’s life – might well be continued to be slowly ‘eroded’ away.
Wrong – as Cynthia Lennon said in interviews herself – the way in which she’s been written about – and the way in which ‘certain people’ have tried to reduce the relevance of her life – “Has almost made it look as though I had a brief, walk-in part in his life. That isn’t true. We were together for ten years.”
Thanks for (always) speaking the Truth Cynthia – and also for recording it – in your own words in your autobiography – ‘John’ – Despite all attempts by a certain person to delete your memory – we can look towards this record/book – for the Truth.
So very sad…..Cynthia’s face and smile just beamed with warmth and kindness. She was my favorite Beatle wife. My condolences to Julian…RIP Cynthia…..
I only read the news now. It’s still a bit of a shock. Such a kind woman, who must have had a difficult life.
Lovely sweet lady. Live on in rock heaven, your place is secure in our hearts.Graceful, gracious and always solid dignity with style. Icon of the time we turned the page. I am saddened at your passing, but your life was well lived, sweet lady Cyn.With love, Linda, the Mare of Watts
Just read the sad news of Cynthia’s passing today. Although I’m a Beatle fan I think Cynthia was too good for John.
Julian’s song and tribute to his mother is beautiful.
My condolences to Julian and God bless cyn, RIP
Liz
What kind of cancer did Cynthia Lennon die of?