Chadwick Boseman is reported to have secretly married his partner Taylor Simone Ledward before his death.
The much-loved and respected Black Panther actor was confirmed to have died today after battling colon cancer for four years.
His beloved Taylor was by his side in his final moments along with close members of his family as he passed away at home.
Chadwick had asked Taylor to marry him in October last year and the pair are believed to have said their vows in a private ceremony before the actor’s cancer advanced.
The pair opted to keep much of their early relationship a secret before Taylor became regularly pictured on Chadwick’s arm at award ceremonies and red carpet premiers.
Taylor is a singer who graduated from California State Polytechnic University Pomona in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Industry Studies. During her time at university she was the lead singer of the school’s jazz band.
Her relationship with Hollywood star Chadwick was confirmed a year after she left school in 2015 when they were first pictured together at Los Angeles International Airport.
Taylor was then seen again supporting her man when he appeared as a guest on US talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2017.
By 2018 Taylor was proudly joining Chadwick on the red carpet at the star-studded premiers of his hit movies including Black Panther and 21 Bridges.
It’s now known that Chadwick was tragically diagnosed with colon cancer just one year into the relationship as he continued to battle for the next four years with Taylor by his side.
In March last year, Chadwick spoke out for the first time about his low key relationship to Taylor at the 50th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, California.
As he accepted the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for blockbuster Black Panther, the usually private Chadwick kissed his girlfriend and proceed to give her a romantic shout out on stage.
During his speech, he said, “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you.” When cameras panned to her she was seen mouthing back the words, “I love you.”
Taylor’s grandmother also confirmed the pair were very happy together as she spoke to InTouch Weekly.
“They respect each other. She’s very happy, and he is, too,” she gushed of the couple.
While Taylor’s sister shut down rumours of a romantic connection between Chadwick and his co-star Lupita Nyong’o.
Commenting on a snap of the actors, she fired: “[Chadwick’s] real life queen is gorgeous, and together they embody true love. Not to mention they would make some beautiful babies.”
The comment – which appears to have been deleted – was reported by The Young, Black & Fabulous.
In October 2019 Chadwick is said to have popped the question to girlfriend of four years Taylor during a date night in Malibu.
“Chadwick and Simone got engaged. It was a long time coming and everyone is really happy,” a source told Gossip blog MediaTakeOut.
They added that the actor had been considering proposing “in early 2020” but decided he just couldn’t wait.
The couple’s final public appearance together was in February 2020 when they sat courtside at the NBA All Star Game.
The pair looked in good spirits as they were seen laughing and joking at the United Center in Chicago.
Today Chadwick’s fans around the world were shocked to discover he had passed away at the age of 43 after secretly battling colon cancer for four years.
It came just 10 months after Chadwick is said to have asked Taylor to be his wife – with the pair understood to have married recently, according to Just Jared.
A representative for the star confirmed in a statement today: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.
The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Credit: Mirror.co.uk