“Together Again”: A Headstone That Honors a Love Beyond Life

When the final design of Paul O’Grady’s headstone was unveiled, it was more than a memorial — it was the closing of a love story that spanned decades. Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, shared the moment with quiet emotion on social media, writing:
“After two and a half years since Paul’s passing, many meetings, paperwork, and a long wait, we have finally laid the final design of Paul’s headstone at his grave. It’s a beautiful moment that brings peace to us all. To see his name alongside Brendan’s, just as he wished, means more than words can say.”
The headstone’s design mirrors Paul’s life: simple, sincere, and deeply heartfelt. Crafted from sleek dark grey stone, it bears both names side by side — joined by eternity rather than separated by years. At the top rests a small figurine of Buster, Paul’s beloved dog and longtime companion, who appeared beside him on The Paul O’Grady Show. It’s a perfect symbol of the affection and humor that defined him.
Fans from around the world have shared their admiration and gratitude online. “It makes me so happy to see Brendan’s name there too,” one wrote, while another added, “Their love story was beautiful — this headstone proves that real love never dies.” For members of the LGBTQ+ community, the gesture holds even deeper meaning: a reminder that love in all its forms deserves to be seen, honored, and celebrated.
Beneath their names, the stone bears one of Paul’s favorite quotes from Michel de Montaigne:
“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be one’s own self.”
Since its installation, visitors describe Paul’s gravesite as a sanctuary — peaceful, honest, and filled with warmth. Some bring flowers, others leave handwritten notes or dog biscuits, small tokens of the joy he brought into their lives. Each year, Andre lights a candle and revisits clips from Paul’s shows, remembering not just a public figure, but the man who loved deeply and lived truthfully.
Now, under the soft Kent sky, Paul O’Grady and Brendan Murphy rest side by side — their story complete. No longer separated by time or sorrow, they are finally together again, proof that love, when true, never truly ends.