Blythe Danner, the beloved star of Will & Grace, recently opened up about her private battle with oral cancer in an emotional interview with People magazine. The 79-year-old actress revealed that she feels "lucky to be alive" after overcoming the same illness that claimed the life of her late husband, Bruce Paltrow, in 2002. Bruce, who passed away at the age of 58, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire Blythe and their children, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jake Paltrow.
Reflecting on her experience, Blythe shared a poignant moment when she looked up to the heavens and spoke to Bruce. "Everyone is touched by cancer in some way, but it's rare for a couple to face the same disease," she said. "I remember saying to Bruce, 'Are you lonely up there?' It was a moment of connection, even in the face of such a difficult diagnosis."
Diagnosis and Treatment: A Journey of Strength
Blythe's battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma began in March 2018 when she started feeling unwell while working in London. This "sneaky disease," as she described it, required her to undergo three surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite the challenges, she emerged from the experience with resilience, stating, "I'm fine and dandy now." However, one of the hardest parts of her journey was breaking the news to her children, Gwyneth and Jake Paltrow.
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Gwyneth, now 50, spoke about her admiration for her mother's strength during this time. "She went through it with so much grace," Gwyneth reflected. "I was in awe of how strong she managed to be. Watching her face adversity with such dignity was truly inspiring."
A Mother-Daughter Bond Strengthened
Just days before sharing her story with the world, Blythe spent quality time with Gwyneth in New Orleans, where they attended a family wedding. Gwyneth shared photos from the trip on Instagram, showcasing their close bond. In one photo, the pair wore matching blue outfits, sipping drinks together and smiling brightly. These moments highlight the unbreakable connection between mother and daughter.
Life After Loss: Healing and Moving Forward
Bruce Paltrow's passing in 2002 left an indelible mark on Blythe and their children. Diagnosed with oral cancer in 1999, Bruce fought bravely but ultimately succumbed to the disease and pneumonia during Gwyneth's 30th birthday celebration in Rome. Two decades later, Gwyneth opened up about the grief process during an episode of the "By the Light of the Moon" podcast. "The first year was unimaginably hard," she admitted. "We all found ways to process our grief, but there's no shortcut. You just have to keep going."
Blythe has also been candid about navigating life without her beloved partner. In a 2018 interview with Closer, she shared a powerful life lesson she learned after Bruce's death: "Keep going. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going." Her words serve as a reminder of resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
