Patrick Swayze’s Final Words to His Wife of 34 Years, Lisa, While Holding Hands for the Last Time

• Patrick Swayze, the beloved star of iconic films like “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost,” would have been 70 today.
• With his flattering smile, brilliant acting, and unwavering love for his wife, Lisa Niemi, he would have continued to delight us.
• Years after his death, Niemi still feels his presence and remembers his last words, which he uttered while holding her hand.

Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi were known for having one of Hollywood’s most enduring and lasting relationships. Their story began when Swayze was 19, and Niemi was 15, at his mother’s ballet school in Houston, where the latter came for dance classes.

Niemi recalled their initial meeting, where Swayze’s reputation as a casanova and her own image as a quiet bad girl led to an unlikely start.

Their first encounter involved Swayze playfully pinching Niemi on the rear while calling her cutie. Despite their reputations, the pair pursued a relationship and gradually grew to know each other.

It didn’t take long for them to fall in love, and in 1975, they tied the knot in a backyard ceremony held at Niemi’s Houston home, followed by a reception at Swayze’s family dance studio.

Despite the grim prognosis, his wife of 34 years, Niemi, remained by his side throughout his arduous battle.

Their relationship blossomed as they navigated the challenges of life together. Niemi admired Swayze’s remarkable talent, describing him as someone who could do anything, from jumping out of planes to riding horses, piloting aircraft, and impressing everyone with his acting prowess.

Swayze’s love for Niemi inspired him to pen the hit song “She’s Like the Wind” for the movie’s soundtrack, “Dirty Dancing.” They even practiced dance routines together, showcasing their excellent chemistry and passion for the arts.

The couple’s profound connection was often described as a partnership. They supported each other through their respective careers and ventures, raising horses together, running a music business, and even maintaining a wildlife preserve.

When the duo experienced a miscarriage on Valentine’s Day in 1990 and had hoped to have children, Swayze said their focus on their careers caused them to miss that opportunity.

Swayze and Niemi’s marriage was marked by a deep friendship, love, and respect for each other. The couple believed in keeping their companionship intact, maintaining open communication, and approaching arguments with a mutual goal in mind.

Their love and partnership withstood the test of time, with the “Road House” actor recognizing his wife as his creative partner and the one who helped him overcome his insecurities and self-destructive tendencies.

The pair’s extraordinary journey together showcased their resilience, deep connection, and collective devotion to acting, dance, and music. From an unlikely meeting to a lifelong partnership, they faced life’s challenges hand in hand, embodying the true essence of love and mutual support.

In 2008, Swayze received the devastating news of being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Despite the grim prognosis, his wife of 34 years, Niemi, remained by his side throughout his arduous battle.

Niemi’s unwavering support was evident as she helped him keep track of his medication and even flew him to his chemotherapy treatments, utilizing her skills as a registered pilot. During the difficult times, Swayze found solace in his wife’s presence, seeing in her eyes the unwavering belief that everything would be okay, providing him with much-needed strength.

Amidst his health challenges, the “Point Break” alum continued to pursue his passion for acting. Niemi, being a constant visitor to the set of his show “The Beast,” also directed him in an episode.

Despite the hurdles posed by ongoing chemotherapy, Swayze displayed remarkable dedication, showing up to deliver outstanding performances. Niemi, appreciating his commitment, felt honored by his presence on her set. It was not the first time she directed her husband, as she had previously helmed the 1995 drama “One Last Dance,” which saw them sharing the screen.

During Swayze’s battle with pancreatic cancer, he drew inspiration from a line in his movie “Ghost.” He fondly recalled the sentiment, “It’s amazing, Molly. You take the love with you.”

This notion resonated deeply with him, emphasizing the enduring power of love beyond death. Niemi confirmed that Swayze embraced this belief, and together, they acknowledged the profound impact of love in their lives.

The “Steel Dawn” actress stood by her husband’s side for 22 months as he courageously fought against the incurable disease. Following his passing in September 2009, she reflected on his remarkable resilience and toughness, acknowledging that she had never fully realized the extent of his strength until witnessing his battle.

In the wake of his death, Niemi devoted herself to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer, using her book and becoming a spokesperson for the “Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.”

In her 2012 memoir, “Worth Fighting For,” Niemi shared the profound significance of her last words with Swayze. Their final exchange was a simple yet heartfelt declaration of “I love you.” These words were ever-present throughout their journey, as Niemi continuously expressed her love, even when Swayze could only respond with the movement of his lips or the gentle touch of his ears.

Swayze’s diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey. Throughout it all, Niemi remained a pillar of strength and support for her husband. Their love endured until the end, with their final words serving as a poignant testament to their deep connection and unwavering affection.

Niemi’s journey to coming to terms with her loss and finding love again was challenging. After Swayze passed away in 2009 at 57, it took time for her to find her footing and come to her senses. However, she found love again and has been married to jeweler Albert DePrisco since 2014.

Niemi’s love for Swayze remains unaffected despite moving forward in her life. She continues to carry his presence with her every day. In her own words, she feels his voice in her head, commenting on her actions and offering guidance.

The “Slam Dance” actress finds comfort in being able to seek her late husband’s advice and hear his familiar words of encouragement. The connection they shared during their 34 years together remains a significant part of Niemi’s life and identity.

While Swayze is no longer with her, Niemi recognizes that their relationship persists beyond his passing. Their bond endures, and she acknowledges that the impact of their time together will always shape her personality.