Andrew Cowles, Partner of Late Boyzone Star Stephen Gately, Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
Andrew Cowles, the devoted husband of the late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, has bravely shared that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The news comes as a sombre update for fans who remember Gately and his enduring relationship with Cowles.
Cowles and Gately first met in 2002, introduced through mutual friends Elton John and David Furnish. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas a year later, followed by a civil partnership in London in 2006. Their partnership was a public testament to their deep affection for one another.
Tragically, it was Andrew Cowles who discovered Stephen Gately’s lifeless body in their holiday home in Mallorca in 2009. Gately’s untimely death was attributed to a congenital heart defect, leaving a profound void in Cowles’ life and for the many admirers of the Irish pop star.
Now, Cowles himself is facing a significant health battle. He recently revealed on social media that he has been diagnosed with cancer and has undergone intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments over the past few months. Despite the challenging journey, Cowles expressed a sense of optimism.
“We’re finally home in Greece after nearly four months in London,” Cowles shared. “I had some cancer in my downstairs (exit) area, and I needed radiotherapy and chemotherapy… but I think it’s gone well and they expect a 80%+ total cure rate. I feel fine and have mostly missed my doggie.”
Reflecting on a Cherished Past
The period surrounding Stephen Gately’s death was particularly poignant for Andrew Cowles. He previously disclosed that on the very weekend of Gately’s passing, they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of friends and family at their Spanish holiday home.
Speaking for the first time about the devastating events in 2010, Cowles shared with The Mirror the comfort he derived from knowing Gately’s state of happiness in his final hours.
“The night he died, we’d had such a good time, a lovely evening in our favourite restaurant,” Cowles recalled. “He was the most happy and confident he’d been in his life.” He described the heartbreaking moment of discovery: “He died under my arm, curled up on the sofa and it was a few good hours before I realised he wasn’t sleeping.”
Honouring Stephen Gately’s Legacy
Since Stephen Gately’s passing, Andrew Cowles has dedicated himself to honouring his late partner’s memory and legacy. This commitment has manifested in various ways.
In 2020, there was a proposal to rename a park in Dublin, close to where Gately grew up, in his honour. This initiative highlighted the lasting impact Gately had on his hometown and the music industry.
More recently, in 2023, Cowles decided to auction parts of Stephen Gately’s personal collection. This decision was prompted by his move to Greece. The auction included a variety of items, such as cherished Boyzone memorabilia and film pieces that Gately had accumulated throughout his career. This sale offered fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of the beloved singer’s history, while also allowing Cowles to move forward with his life.
The news of Andrew Cowles’ cancer diagnosis has undoubtedly resonated with those who followed the life and love story of Stephen Gately. His strength and openness in sharing his health journey offer a glimpse into his resilience and his continued dedication to living life to the fullest, a sentiment surely championed by the memory of Stephen.
