Mary Austin, the lifelong confidante and former fiancée of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, opened up about the deeply personal and emotional final moments they shared before his death in November 1991.
1. By His Bedside in His Final Days
Austin remained a constant, steadfast presence at Mercury’s side during his final weeks as his health deteriorated from AIDS-related complications.
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Providing Comfort: Pregnant at the time with her second son, Austin spent hours at his bedside, holding his hand, managing his care, and sitting with him while he drifted in and out of consciousness under heavy morphine sedation.
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The Unflattering Last Words: Recalling a quiet moment when Mercury briefly came to, Austin revealed his unexpected final words to her: “My old faithful.” She admitted that the comment left her feeling less like a cherished partner and more like a pet, noting that she wasn’t particularly flattered by the comparison.
2. A Bond That Outlasted Romance
Though their romantic relationship ended after Mercury came out as gay, their profound connection endured for the rest of his life, cementing Austin as his most trusted companion.
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The Ultimate Trust: Mercury ultimately left Austin his sprawling West London mansion, Garden Lodge, along with half of his fortune and future royalties—and entrusted her with the ultimate secret of keeping the location of his ashes permanently confidential.
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Reflecting on the Past: Looking back across the decades, Austin reflected on the immense weight of guarding his legacy, acknowledging that despite the heartbreak and complexity of their dynamic, he remained the true love of her life.