The celebrity world is reeling over the death of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman, who succumbed to colon cancer on Aug. 28, 2020, at the age of 43. The Black Panther star had essentially battled his illness in secret, so colleagues and fans were shocked to hear the heartbreaking news. His death has prompted an outpouring of support, with everyone from co-star and Oscar-winner Viola Davis to former President Barack Obama expressing condolences to his family and recalling memories with the powerful actor.
Boseman managed to nestle into people’s hearts while also remaining a very private person. He was reportedly dating singer Taylor Simone Ledward for years, but his relationship was only confirmed when her grandmother spoke to InTouch in 2018. In a statement released by his representatives this weekend, fans also learned for the first time that Boseman and Ledward had gotten married. “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side,” the statement read. Here’s what we know about Boseman’s relationship.
Chadwick Boseman's relatives confirmed his relationship
Chadwick Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward were first spotted together in 2015, according to Page Six. Boseman often referred to a “lady” in his life, per InTouch, but the general public didn’t know much about this mystery woman.
According to The Young, Black & Fabulous, some had speculated that Boseman was dating Black Panther co-star Lupito N’yong, but a since-deleted Instagram post by someone who is reported to be Ledward’s sister attempted to put that rumor to rest. “[Chadwick’s] real life queen is gorgeous, and together they embody true love. Not to mention they would make some beautiful babies,” the post said.
Ledward is reportedly a 2014 graduate of Cal Polytechnic University Pomona, where she majored in music industry studies and performed as lead singer of a jazz band. There was reportedly about a 14-year age difference between Pomona and Boseman.
It was Ledward’s grandmother who confirmed the relationship to the press by talking to InTouch in 2018. “She’s very happy, and he is, too,” the approving grandmother said, noting that her granddaughter and Boseman “respect each other.”
Finally, in 2019, Boseman and Ledward acknowledged their love at a very special event.
Chadwick Boseman waited years to go public with his wife
Chadwick Boseman’s first headline-making sighting with Taylor Simone Ledward happened in 2015 at the Los Angeles International Airport, according to E! News, but while the press wanted to to know more, the 42 star preferred to keep his private life under wraps.
Ledward did accompany the actor to numerous red carpet events, including the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where the stars of Black Panter won the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture. The couple was also photographed hand in hand during a 21 Bridges screening in New York in 2019 (pictured above.) Finally, in March 2019, Boseman acknowledged his relationship with Ledward in a very public way.
While receiving the award for outstanding actor in a motion picture at the NAACP Image Awards, Boseman reportedly kissed Ledward and even said a few words about her importance in his life. “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you,” he said, per Page Six. She responded, “I love you.”
Chadwick Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward kept their marriage quiet
According to MediaTakeOut (via the Mirror), Chadwick Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward got engaged in October 2019, after about four years of dating. “It was a long time coming and everyone is really happy,” a source told the blog at the time. According to the account, Boseman was actually planning to propose in 2020 but just couldn’t wait to pop the question. He reportedly got down on one knee on a date night in Malibu.
After that, the Da 5 Bloods star and his partner made more public appearances together, and Ledward appeared to be wearing a ring on numerous occasions. One of their last documented high-profile appearances together was sitting courtside at the NBA All-Star Game in February 2020.
They are thought to have married in private in the months prior to Boseman’s death, reported the Daily Mail. According to a statement released following his death on Aug. 28, 2020, Ledward and the rest of Boseman’s loved ones are mourning in private at this time: “The family thanks you for your love and prayers and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.” Are thoughts are with all those grieving Boseman’s passing.
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