
Patrick Duffy’s life took an unexpected turn when his beloved wife of 43 years passed away in 2017. With a heavy heart, he wondered if he would ever find joy again. But love has a way of surprising us, and in his seventies, Patrick stumbled upon a new beginning.
Known for his role in “Dallas,” this ’80s heartthrob shared an incredible journey with his wife from the moment they met. Their marriage was built on profound love and spirituality, which sustained him through life’s challenges. Upon her death, Patrick felt the weight of the world, questioning how to move forward as a widower.

Patrick posing for a portrait in 1990 perfectly encapsulates the first chapter of his life. Yet, it was time for another chapter to unfold. Despite feeling lost after his wife’s departure, he unexpectedly rediscovered love, proving that the heart can heal and thrive again.

A Love That Stood the Test of Time
The first time Patrick met his wife Carlyn Rosser, his world changed. Carlyn was a talented ballet dancer a decade older than him. They met during his last year of college and, against the odds, created a union that lasted 43 years. Their new life together started from a rather unusual first meeting. Patrick vividly recalled, “I was a college graduate narrating for a dance production, and she was this radiant ballerina. Our paths crossing was fate.”

Patrick and Carlyn tied the knot in 1974 at a Buddhist temple, a faith that Carlyn introduced to Patrick, which became a core part of their journey together. That same year, they welcomed their first son, Padraic, into the world. A move to New York ensued, where Patrick pursued acting while finding work as a carpenter to support their growing family.

He eventually secured his breakout role as Bobby Ewing on “Dallas.” In 1986, tragedy struck when Patrick’s parents were murdered. Through that dark time, Carlyn was a rock for him. The comforting embrace of his wife and his Buddhist beliefs played a crucial part in his healing process.

They were also blessed with a second son, Conor. Yet, life threw unexpected challenges their way, especially the horrifying family tragedy. The loss of his parents was profound, but Carlyn’s support never wavered. Patrick credited this spiritual journey and Carlyn’s unwavering presence for his resilience.

In 2017, Patrick faced another unfathomable loss when Carlyn passed away at 77 years old. Her death came as a shock, leaving Patrick to navigate life on his own. Reflecting on their time together, he often mused, “My wife and I were inseparable for 48 years.”

Six months later, Patrick shared a heartfelt message on social media, indicating the depth of his loss and the love that would endure eternally. “On this day six months ago my heart stopped, yet I live on as she wishes,” he penned. “We will be together eternally.” His sons became a source of comfort as he processed his grief, stating, “My boys were stalwarts during this time.”

Even while healing, Patrick cherished the memories of his time with Carlyn, expressing, “I miss her touch, yet I feel close to her every day.” He cherished their shared journey and the happiness they built together, acknowledging, “I have worked hard to navigate life, and it’s been good to me.”

As the years passed, Patrick found contentment as a widower, though he still considered himself a married man. “I hear her. I see her. I strive to live up to her expectations,” he shared.

A Love Rediscovered in an Unexpected Chapter
Despite believing he would never love again, life had other plans. At 71, Patrick found himself in a new love story with actress Linda Purl, a rekindled romance sparked by unexpected circumstances. Their story began as platonic friendship years before, which reignited when both found themselves engaging in lively online chats during the low days of the pandemic.

What began as casual online interactions soon blossomed into lengthy video calls, allowing them to reconnect on a deeper level. Patrick fondly recalled those moments, “We chatted for hours each night, exploring our past, our joys, listening to music, covering all that ground you normally cover over months of dating.”

Deciding it was time to meet in person, Patrick made a 20-hour drive to Linda’s doorstep, an encounter that cemented their feelings. “It was time to see if it was real. From that day forward, we were inseparable,” he shared.

Linda described their evolving connection as “a Victorian process,” highlighting the patience and care they took to nurture their bond. For Patrick, the surprise of finding love later in life was profound. “I never imagined this would happen again,” he said. “To feel this way again is more than I hoped for.”
Their connection was genuine and effortless, transcending into their professional lives as well. Linda and Patrick played a married couple in a 2021 movie, a project that brought a unique authenticity to their work. Patrick reflected on this experience by saying, “For the first time in my career, I had the pleasure of spending everyday life with my co-star, sharing joy on and off the set.”

Patrick and Linda’s relationship was characterized by maturity and enduring love. “Our aim is to bring smiles to each other,” Patrick noted. “We consciously cherish our time together, treasuring every moment of joy.”

For Linda, their shared journey resonated deeply, highlighting a hopeful perspective on life. “Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Patrick and I weren’t searching for this, but sometimes the best things appear when you’re not looking,” she shared. Patrick, too, felt certain that Carlyn would have appreciated this new chapter.

Interviews in 2023 revealed how neither Patrick nor Linda anticipated finding love so late in life, but they embraced it fully. “I was content, but my conversations with Linda made me realize contentment isn’t the end goal,” Patrick said. Their love story proves that life’s unexpected gifts are worth cherishing. It’s never too late to welcome love with open arms.