Lesley Gore, the iconic singer whose voice graced timeless hits like “It’s My Party,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” and “You Don’t Own Me,” tragically passed away on February 16 at the age of 68. Her passing left a void in the music world and beyond, as fans and loved ones mourned the loss of a true trailblazer. Now, in an exclusive interview with ‘Closer Weekly,’ her devoted partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson, opens up about the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her sudden death and her battle with lung cancer.
An Unexpected Journey
In this deeply personal conversation, Lois shares how everything unfolded so quickly. “It was pretty fast,” Lois recalls to ‘Closer.’ Back in January, Lesley started experiencing pain in her back. What initially seemed like a minor issue turned into something far more serious when an MRI revealed a devastating tumor on her spine. The news came as a shock to both Lesley and Lois, who had no idea that such a storm was brewing beneath the surface.
Lesley performing in 1965.
Read also:Whorsquos The Real Man Behind The Legend The Father Of Josh Brolin
A Legacy That Lives On
Though Lesley's time with us was cut tragically short, her impact will resonate for generations to come. Her music, activism, and unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on the world. Lois explains, “She was writing the story of her life,” referring to a new stage show Lesley was passionately working on. Even though she didn’t get to see it come to fruition, Lois believes Lesley would want to be remembered most for her incredible music and the legacy of her unfinished play.
Lesley’s journey wasn’t just about being a teen pop sensation; she evolved into a feminist icon and a fierce advocate for gay rights. Her life was rich with experiences, and Lois reflects fondly, “She was a beautiful woman who became an icon, embodying fun and lightheartedness. But she was also incredibly serious and thoughtful.”
Lesley performing in July 2011.
Beyond the Spotlight
While Lesley maintained a quieter profile later in life, working behind the scenes as a composer for songs like Fame’s Oscar-nominated “Out Here on My Own” (co-written with her brother, Michael), she made headlines in 2005 when she publicly came out as a lesbian. Lois shares that this revelation wasn’t difficult for Lesley, who had privately shared her truth with her parents in the '70s. “It was hard for her mother,” Lois notes, “but not for her. She was completely comfortable in her own skin.”
For the full
