Carlyn Rosser: Patrick Duffys Wife Was a Ballerina Who Died Suddenly

Patrick Duffy suffered a significant loss when he lost his beloved wife, Carlyn Rosser. Patrick still considered himself a married man three years after Rosser's death. But he has since moved on and found love again.

Rosser was Patrick's wife for 43 years. She was full of life when she welcomed two sons, Padraic and Conor Duffy, with the actor. The pair were happily married until Rosser met her untimely death in 2017.

Carlyn Rosser and her husband's love story was one of a kind. Despite their age difference, the pair maintained a strong bond for over four decades.

Patrick Duffy and Carlyn Rosser at an undiclosed location on June 04, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

Carlyn Rosser Was Already a Pro Dancer When She Met Her Husband on a Tour Bus

Rosser and her husband met on a tour bus. At the time, her husband had graduated from college and was touring as a narrator with a dance production company, while Rosser was already an accomplished ballet dancer. Her husband said It was love at first sight, and he knew she was the one at that moment.

When they met, Rosser was a married woman and ten years older than Patrick. Despite the age difference, Patrick admitted he fell in love with Rosser and her art. However, Rosser had been happily married to her then-husband for 13 years, and telling him she had met someone else was difficult.

And since Rosser and the actor shared a special bond, they couldn't imagine dating anyone else. When Rosser told her then-husband she had met someone else, he felt betrayed, so he let her go. The age difference never bothered Carlyn Rosser and Patrick; they eventually tied the knot in 1974.

Patrick Duffy and wife Carlyn Rosser at Musical "Sweeney Todd" in New York City on November 1, 1979. | Source: Getty Images

Carlyn picked where they would live, and it's on their ranch in Jackson County, Oregon. Her husband said that her only rule about choosing the place and the house was that it had to be pretty. The pair later quietly built a beautiful and personal American Art collection inside their home.

Carlyn Rosser Was Also a Musician & Lived an Artistic Life

Rosser was talented in different fields. Aside from being an accomplished Ballerina, She had a perfect pitch and played the concert piano. Rosser lived an artistic life, and she influenced her husband with her great eye for art.

Purl stated that they also adopted a seagull who frequently visited their balcony and named him Elmer.

Patrick Duffy and wife Carlyn on May 22, 1977, at California State University in Northridge | Source: Getty Images

Rosser was passionate about art; her husband said at one point, she bought an art piece with her entire weekly salary, which eventually became the first art piece Patrick ever held.

With time, their collection grew throughout their long married life. Rosser's husband admitted they didn't expect to make a gallery in their home, but their love for art made it happen.

Carlyn Introduced Patrick to Buddhism Which Helped Him Cope with the Death of His Parents

Rosser was a Buddhist, and her husband converted to the religion because of her. Though Patrick admitted that he initially converted to the faith because he wanted to sleep with her, with time, he loved the religion and said it was part of his life.

Patrick Duffy and wife Carlyn on March 31, 1985, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Patrick adored Rosser and appreciated her for introducing him to the religion. Not only did it help him with his intellectual development, but when Patrick lost his parents, he said the faith helped him cope with grief, and he never felt disconnected from them.

Carlyn Rosser Passed Away in 2017 with 'No Indication'

Rosser died in 2017, and her sudden death left her family in disbelief. Her husband spoke about the fateful day to Closer Weekly. He stated:

"It was a surprise when she passed. There was no indication. So that was the big adjustment."

Rosser's husband stated that as much as he tried to adjust to the circumstances, he was concerned about their two sons, who were deeply affected by her death. He also admitted that at his age, he had realized the road ahead was shorter than the road behind.

Patrick Duffy and wife Carlyn on December 2, 1992, at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Six months after Rosser's death, her husband paid her a sweet tribute in a captivating Twitter post but did not reveal the cause. The father of two then thanked his fans for the love and support they gave him during that difficult time. Patrick Duffy also stated that even though his wife was gone, they would be together eternally.

While it's unclear the cause of Rosser's death, some reports indicated she lost her battle with cancer. After Rosser's death, Patrick spent much of his time as a widower and was primarily focused on their children until he was ready to move on.

Patrick Duffy Found Love Again after Carlyn's Death

Even though it took Patrick time to mourn his wife, he finally found love again after a few years. He began dating veteran actress Linda Purl during the pandemic era when they were in Canada.

Patrick Duffy at the Celtic Manor Hotel, Usk Valley, South Wales on August 26, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

The pair quarantined together in Canada for two weeks, and during that period, they cooked dinner and even did joint workouts. Purl stated they also adopted a seagull who frequently visited their balcony and named him Elmer.

While in Canada, Purl said they captured many memories and shared them d on Instagram. The pair have been dating for two years and are still going strong. Aside from being lovers, the two are also working together.

In an interview, Patrick Duffy, who starred alongside Linda Gray in the 1978 classic drama series "Dallas," said being with Purl is a real gift, and he cherished every moment they shared.

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