John Lennon's Secret Wife: In Loving Memory Of Cynthia
Tributes from friends, celebrities and family alike have been pouring in for 'The Beatles' star's first wife that few knew much about. Married before the worldwide phenomenon of 'Beatlemania' took off, she remained in the shade throughout the band's years of fame and was allegedly mistreated by her then husband. Here we remember Cynthia Lennon: 1939 – 2015.
1. Cynthia Powell and John Lennon met in 1958 at Liverpool Art College when they were both teens.
The budding artist was just 18-years-old, whilst Lennon was the tender age of 17-years-old when they began dating. Picture: PA
2. The young couple wed on 23 August 1962 and had one son together, Julian.
Throughout 'The Beatles' most famous years Cynthia's position as the songwriter's wife had to be kept under wraps. Many female fans did not know Lennon was married and the industry was keen to keep it that way! Cynthia stayed at home bringing up their son Julian whilst her husband toured the globe. Picture: PA
3. Cynthia Lennon and John Lennon made a stylish couple when they were together.
Despite Beatles' members George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and 'The Beatles'' manager and best man Brian Epstein all attending the wedding, Cynthia lived at the couples in Weybridge, London. Picture: PA
4. Cynthia Lennon watched her husband transform from simple musician to world superstar.
At the height of the Fab Four's success, she was kept out of the limelight. Picture: Getty
5. Cynthia Lennon was always close to the couple's son Julian.
The 51-year-old posted a picture of his late mother captioned 'In Loving Memory', along with a moving video tribute. The musician has also thanked fans for their prayers at this time. Picture: PA
6. Cynthia Lennon and John Lennon had their fair share of troubles.
Being in a relationship with one of the most famous and busy men in the world must have been tough. Besides the loneliness, her other half was always on the road. Cynthia may have held her suspicions of her husband's infidelity over the years, with friends reportedly telling her numerous affairs but she ignored their warnings. Picture: Getty
7. John Lennon and Cynthia with Paul McCartney and his then girlfriend Jane Asher in 1968.
The Lennons' marriage really hit the rocks in February 1968 when Lennon drunkenly confessed to sleeping with other women during their marriage. "She was totally different from John in that she was quiet and reserved and calm. She was not a hippy at all." Hunter Davies, the only official biographer wrote of 'The Beatles'. "I think it was the attraction of opposites between them." Picture: PA
8. Cynthia Lennon smiles despite the pain.
Hunter Davies writes: "John treated her appallingly. He slept with Yoko in their marital home and, as we discovered later, he also physically attacked her but she was loyal to him." Picture: PA
9. Cynthia Lennon dies aged 75.
The artist sadly passed after a short battle with cancer at her home in Spain. Picture: PA
10. Cynthia & John divorced in 1968 after his first wife reportedly discovered his affair with Yoko Ono.
The Japanese artist however, led the tributes to her love rival: "I’m very saddened by Cynthia’s death. She was a great person and a wonderful mother to Julian. She had such a strong zest for life and I felt proud how we two women stood firm in the Beatles family." John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously staged a Bed-In for Peace in Amsterdam, which was their non-violent way of protesting wars and promoting peace. Picture: PA
11. Yoko Ono and her son Sean Lennon stand side by side with Cynthia Lennon and Julian Lennon.
Here the two wives are united at the 'Timeless' photography exhibition. Yoko posted the picture to her website 'Imaginepeace.com' with the caption: "When we were very happy together". Picture: Getty
12. 74-year-old Ringo Starr, tweeted his condolences.
"Peace and love to Julian Lennon God bless Cynthia love Ringo and Barbara xx."
13. 72-year-old Paul McCartney also shared a heart-felt message for the late Cynthia.
"She was a lovely lady who I've known since our early days together in Liverpool. She was a good mother to Julian and will be missed by us all, but I will always have great memories of our times together."
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