Patrick Duffy Thought Love Was Over After Losing His Wife of 43 Years — Until a Surprise Came at 71
Patrick Duffy’s life was forever changed when his beloved wife of 43 years, Carlyn Rosser, passed away unexpectedly in 2017. For a long time, the actor struggled to move forward, believing he might never find love again. But in his seventies, life surprised him—with a second chance at happiness.
Patrick Duffy posing for a portrait in 1990 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Patrick and Carlyn shared a deep, decades-long love that began when he was a young college graduate and she a graceful ballet dancer ten years his senior. Their connection blossomed quickly and led to a marriage in 1974, grounded in their shared Buddhist faith. Together, they raised two sons and built a strong, supportive partnership that helped Duffy navigate early career struggles and personal tragedies, including the shocking murder of his parents in 1986.
Patrick Duffy at the “Nymphes D’Or – Golden Nymphs” Nominees Party during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 19, 2023, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
Throughout it all, Carlyn remained his anchor. Her death left Duffy heartbroken and adrift. Even years later, he admitted he still felt married to her, often sensing her presence and recalling her expectations for him. “I can hear her. I can see her. I know what she would expect of me, and I try and live up to that,” he once shared.
Patrick Duffy and Carlyn Rosser photographed at California State University on May 22, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Then, in the quiet of the pandemic, something unexpected happened. A casual reconnection with actress Linda Purl through a group text turned into hours-long nightly Zoom calls. What started as friendship soon deepened into something more. Duffy found himself falling in love again, despite never believing it was possible.
Patrick Duffy and Carlyn Rosser in New York on November 1, 1979. | Source: Getty Images
“I never thought for a minute this would happen again,” he said. But it did. After months of virtual connection, he drove 20 hours to see her in person—and from that moment, they were inseparable.
Patrick Duffy and Carlyn Rosser spotted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 31, 1985. | Source: Getty Images
Their bond was strong, built on trust, shared values, and the wisdom that comes with age. They even worked together on-screen, portraying a married couple in a 2021 TV movie. For Duffy, it was a first—sharing the set and his life with someone who truly understood him.
Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy at the “Nymphes D’Or – Golden Nymphs” Award Ceremony during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
In interviews, he often praised Linda’s talent and artistic spirit, calling her an inspiration. And while his love for Carlyn never faded, Duffy found that opening his heart again brought healing and joy. He believes Carlyn would have wanted this for him: happiness, peace, and love, even after loss.
Patrick Duffy’s story is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t mean the end of love. Sometimes, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.
