Michael Palin says his late wife Helen’s clothes are ‘still in the cupboard’ over a year after her death to make it feel like she’s ‘still here’

Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'

As a lifestyle expert reflecting upon the poignant story of Michael Palin and his late wife Helen Gibbins, I am deeply moved by their shared journey spanning six decades. The profound love they had for each other, their mutual experiences, and the comfort that Helen provided Michael are truly heartwarming.


Michael Palin poignantly shared that his wife Helen Gibbins’ garments remain in the wardrobe, giving the sense that she is still present among them.

Last year on May 2nd, the beloved Monty Python cast member, now 81 years old, shared that his wife Helen had tragically passed away. This occurred shortly after they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary and following a long struggle with persistent pain and kidney issues.

He described her as the ‘bedrock of my life’ and said her death was an ‘indescribable loss’ for himself and their three children – Thomas, 55, William, 53, and Rachel, 49. 

Now, more than a year after his heart-wrenching loss, Michael shared that he finds comfort in having her possessions scattered about their home, as they serve as cherished reminders of their shared moments. Moreover, he expressed that this is why he has made the decision to never leave their current residence.

In an interview with The Times, Michael expressed that he isn’t considering moving at this point in time. He explained that everything around him has a personal history or reminds him of cherished moments, not in a sentimental manner. Instead, these items serve as the backdrop of his life. Remove all those memories and he would be in a different scenario, playing a distinct role. And Michael isn’t ready to take on that change.

Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'

Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'

Instead of altering things since Helen passed away, I continue as if she’s still with us. Her wardrobe remains untouched in the cupboards. I prefer not to disrupt my life significantly because I believe she wouldn’t have wanted that either. This house still feels like home to me. I can sense her spirit lingering here.

As a lifestyle guide, I’d share this story from my personal experience: Fifty-seven years ago, at the tender age of sixteen, I found my life partner. We celebrated our beautiful union in 1966, and just weeks prior to Helen’s passing, we were reminiscing about our remarkable 57th wedding anniversary.

Michael and Helen first crossed paths during their respective summer vacations in the coastal town of Southwold, Suffolk. Their accommodations happened to be adjacent cottages, shared by their families.

Michael expressed that, after nearly six decades of being married to his beloved wife, he found it difficult to envision beginning a new relationship because he was still deeply affected by the loss of her.

He shared: ‘I shared my life with someone for so long that I find it impossible to think of sharing it in the same way with anyone else again. So in a way, I’m sort of freer.’

The television host mentioned that it felt unusual for him when she wasn’t present, particularly upon returning home from the theater or a restaurant, as he would have liked to share his recent experiences with her.

He added that he misses ‘the little things’ about their relationship, adding that he still finds it ‘very difficult’ without her – especially when it comes to cooking.

During the very same interview, Michael further shared his thoughts on the subject of his own mortality, acknowledging that he feels ‘untroubled’ rather than fearful regarding death, considering it an inevitable occurrence that will take place ‘not too far in the future’.

Michael mentioned that among his various passions, his work on books serves as a distraction from the reality of mortality.

Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'
Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'
Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'

Ever since Michael shared his heartache about missing the comfort that his beloved wife, Helen Gibbins, used to provide him during their time together, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of longing and empathy for him. It brings back memories of how I too cherish the reassurance I receive from my own loved ones.

In conversation with Lorraine Kelly, Michael expressed: “Today would have marked our 58th anniversary. I often seek comfort in the knowledge that she was excellent at guiding me, offering advice on what I ought to do and what I shouldn’t.

Instead of finding myself in situations I disliked, it’s the times she understood my preferences and saw me satisfied at work that I truly missed.

The actor continued:  ‘I miss the jokes that we used to have together. I mean it would be our 58th anniversary and every anniversary we used to try and do something with increasing incredulity… That humour, I do miss a lot.

For six decades, I’ve been acquainted with Helen, making her the longest-standing relationship in my life. Over these years, we’ve accumulated countless shared experiences that have become such an integral part of us that there’s no need for grand gestures or declarations.

Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'
Michael Palin says his late wife Helen's clothes are 'still in the cupboard' over a year after her death to make it feel like she's 'still here'

Discussing his upcoming Channel 5 show while in Nigeria, Michael Palin shared that he felt compelled to continue working as it was what Helen would have wished for him.

He continued: ‘You can’t say, “Everything stops now, I am just going to live for the past” – you have to go on. I am lucky because I do get some work and I get to go round the world and be paid for it, which is terrific, and I want to continue to do that if I can. 

Engaging with human life connects us emotionally, yet it simultaneously invigorates my body and mind – aspects that significantly boost one’s spirit.

‘We’d love to do another journey. I’d go with the little group anywhere really.’ 

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2024-09-14 11:34

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