Paul Simon pays tribute to late former partner Shelley Duvall
In light of the tragic passing of actor Shelley Duvall, singer-songwriter Paul Simon has put out a statement to her memory.
The Hollywood legend most famous for her work in The Shining and Annie Hall died peacefully in her sleep due to complications while battling diabetes. In addition to her physical health struggles, Duvall said that she had been struggling with mental health issues in the years leading up to her passing.
Posting on X, Simon shared a eulogy for Duvall, stating, “So sorry to hear of Shelley’s passing. Sweet, talented eccentric.” After being the main songwriter of Simon and Garfunkel and moving onto a solo career in the 1970s, Simon was romantically involved with the Nashville actor.
Of course, the relationship would be fraught with turmoil once Simon became acquainted with fellow actor Carrie Fisher. When Duvall first introduced Simon to the famous Star Wars actress, he would pack his bags and leave Duvall’s home.
Years before becoming the iconic Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, Simon went on to marry Fisher, with whom he would have an on-again-off-again relationship for years, including being married for two years before divorcing. After breaking off his relationship with Fisher, Simon would continue with his solo career, going onto to work with various South African musicians during Apartheid for the album Graceland.
In 2002, Duvall stepped away from acting and would not resurface until having an interview on Dr Phil in 2016, where she expressed need for some serious help for her mental health issues, where she appeared physically dishevelled. It was revealed a short time afterwards that she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
Due to her various mental health conditions, she hadn’t worked in the film industry since 2002’s Manna From Heaven, effectively retiring and living a reclusive lifestyle for the last few years of her life. When asked about what the cause of her mental distress, Duvall cited the industry as the main cause of her disorder.
In a rare 2024 interview with The New York Times, Duvall touched upon the matter once again. She suggested that her mental illness was more linked to the industry rather than growing older. “I was a star; I had leading roles,” she said. “People think it’s just ageing, but it’s not. It’s violence.”
This aligns with the issues that Duvall ran into when working on the film The Shining with director Stanley Kubrick. Throughout the production, Duvall would be called the main reason why work wasn’t moving along and was asked to do certain takes over a hundred times until Kubrick was happy with the results.
Duvall was 75 years old. Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, announced the sad news: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, announced the sad news: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.