Let me tell you a story about two legendary television stars, Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl, who found love in the most unexpected way. These two iconic actors had been crossing paths for decades, but it wasn’t until the world came to a halt during the COVID lockdown that they truly connected. Four years later, they’re still going strong, proving that love knows no age limit. As Linda told Closer, “It’s exhilarating to weave someone into your life at this stage. We’re not in our 20s anymore, but that’s part of the magic.”
Here’s the thing: Sometimes, fate has its own timeline, and that’s exactly what happened with Patrick and Linda. They first met back in 1980 during a play reading. Patrick, best known for his role on Dallas, and Linda, famous for her time on Happy Days, were both married at the time. Over the years, they’d bump into each other here and there, but life kept pulling them in different directions. Then, in 2020, during a group text, the stars aligned. Patrick, now 75, lost his wife in 2017, and Linda, 69, was divorced but content with her circle of friends. “Patrick and I met every 20 years or so, but it was always just a quick hello,” Linda recalls. “But this time was different. The pandemic gave us the space to really get to know each other.”
Neither of them was looking for love when they started chatting. Patrick had been happily married for 43 years to dancer Carlyn Rosser, and after her passing, he wasn’t sure he’d ever find love again. Linda, on the other hand, was perfectly happy surrounded by her close-knit group of friends. “They’re devoted to me in a way I’ve never seen in friendships,” Patrick says. But as they talked more—via texts, phone calls, and video chats—they realized how much they enjoyed each other’s company. “We didn’t plan for it to be romantic,” Linda explains. “We just clicked. Patrick and I would talk for hours because, let’s face it, we had nothing else on our calendars.”
Read also:Meet The Cast Of New Macgyver Series Your Ultimate Guide To The Modern Heroes
As their connection deepened, so did their conversations. Patrick shared a poem he’d written about trees, and Linda introduced him to new music they could enjoy together. They even ate dinner together over Zoom, despite being over a thousand miles apart. One night, as their phone call wound down, Patrick said something that changed everything. “I told her, ‘Goodbye, I love you,’” he recalls. “I hung up and thought, ‘What did I just say?’ But sometimes, you just know.”
How Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl Built Their Love Story
The next night, Linda got dolled up for their video call. “I did my hair, put on mascara, and even wore perfume,” she laughs. “I was nervous, but in a good way. Then, Patrick surprised me by driving 23 hours from Oregon to Colorado just to see me. That’s when we knew this was real.”
One of the great things about finding love later in life is that Patrick and Linda have the time and maturity to nurture their relationship. “Coming together now is easier,” Linda says. “We’re not chasing careers or figuring out who we are. We already know what we want, and that makes it so much simpler.” Patrick agrees, adding, “We had so many deep conversations during the pandemic that blending our lives felt almost seamless. It was like we’d been together for 40 years.”
Today, Patrick and Linda split their time between Linda’s home in Colorado, Patrick’s ranch in Oregon, and Los Angeles. They’ve even acted together in projects like Doomsday Mom: The Lori Vallow Story and a play in England and Scotland. But their partnership extends beyond the screen. Together, they founded Duffy’s Dough, a company selling Patrick’s sourdough bread starter, with all profits going to charity. “We’re aiming to be the next Paul Newman,” Patrick says. “It’s a lofty goal, but it’s worth shooting for.”
The Sweetest Chapter of Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy’s Lives
Early on, the couple decided they didn’t need to have kids together. “We’ve got amazing kids from our past relationships,” Linda says, referring to her adult son and Patrick’s two grown children. As for marriage, they’re taking it day by day. “In many ways, we already feel married,” Linda notes. “But there’s something special about proving your commitment every single day.”
Patrick adds, “To me, earning this relationship daily keeps me on my toes. I want to care for and honor Linda in every way possible. Marriage is just a piece of paper, and in today’s world, there are few downsides to staying unmarried.”
Read also:Michael Jacksons Death In 2009 The Shocking Truth Behind The King Of Pops Tragic End
Ultimately, Patrick and Linda feel incredibly fortunate to have found each other at the perfect moment in their lives. “We started by being open to a friendship without pressure,” Linda says. “Being willing to extend yourself is key.” Patrick believes it’s never too late to find love if you’re open to it. “First, ask yourself: Do you want another relationship?” he advises. “If you do, don’t give up. Don’t let time or circumstances dictate your happiness. Sometimes, the best things come to those who are patient and ready.”
