Television presenter Jane McDonald has shared a heartfelt and honest account of navigating life after the death of her long-term partner, musician Eddie Rothe.
A Daily Presence of Grief
Eddie Rothe passed away from lung cancer in 2021, leaving the Cruising with Jane McDonald star devastated. Now 62, Jane revealed in an interview with Bella magazine that her late partner remains a constant presence in her thoughts. "There's not a day goes by that I don't think of him, talk of him – it's awful," she confessed.
She offered a poignant perspective on managing profound loss, refusing to minimise her experience. "I'm not going to butter this up in any way: grief stays with you all the time, but what you have to do is sit it beside joy," Jane explained. Her strategy involves consciously inviting happiness into her life to balance the sorrow, stating she has now reached a point where she feels "just about level."
Contentment Over a New Romance
When questioned about the possibility of finding love again, the Channel 5 personality was remarkably philosophical. She admitted she is currently "not bothered" by the prospect. "I've been very blessed. When you meet the right one and you have that amazing relationship, it leaves you full," Jane reflected.
She paid tribute to the unique bond she shared with Eddie, saying, "I was so lucky to have Ed, and the laughter and the joy that we had together was second to none." While not completely ruling out a future meeting, she emphasised her sense of fulfilment from their past relationship, adding, "So I'm not bothered if it never happens."
A New Kind of Christmas Celebration
Looking ahead to the festive season, Jane McDonald has decided to prioritise her own wishes, opting for a different kind of celebration. After years of hosting, she is planning to spend Christmas Day with friends instead.
"I'm going to go out with some friends and not have to wash up. Not have to plan it," she said with relief. "I'm done now; I want to be invited out." Acknowledging this shift, she commented, "I've got to that age where I'm like, 'No, I don't want to do this anymore.' I like the family around... but I'm going out with my mates this year."
She envisions a perfectly balanced holiday: enjoying company but returning home in good time to relax in her 'jim-jams' and watch television. "I'll have a wonderful time," she affirmed, outlining a simple, joyful plan that puts her own comfort first.
