Robert Wagner Honors Natalie Wood on 44th Anniversary of Her Death

Robert Wagner, the renowned actor, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Natalie Wood, on the 44th anniversary of her tragic death. In a touching message shared on his official Instagram account on November 29, Wagner, now 95, expressed that Natalie would be “forever missed.” The post included a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of the couple taken during the 1973 Academy Awards.

Wagner reflected on their enduring bond, stating, “Thinking of Nat today. Her warmth, beauty, and love remain with us through our children and grandchildren. Forever missed, forever cherished. More than love.” He poignantly remembered Wood, who drowned at the age of 43 while on a boat trip to Catalina Island in November 1981.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain a topic of public intrigue. On that fateful night, Wagner, Wood, their friend and fellow actor, Christopher Walken, and their long-time skipper, Dennis Davern, were on board the vessel. Despite various investigations, the details surrounding her passing have continued to fuel speculation and discussion.

Wagner and Wood first married in 1957, before divorcing in 1962. They reconciled and remarried in 1972. Together, they had two daughters, Courtney Brooke Wagner and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who was just 11 years old at the time of her mother’s death. Wagner also adopted Natasha from Wood’s previous marriage, and he has another daughter, Katie Wagner, from a prior relationship.

In the years following Wood’s passing, Wagner faced significant emotional challenges. He recounted his struggles in his 2016 memoir, I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood’s Legendary Actresses. Wagner described the profound grief he experienced, saying, “When Natalie died, I thought my life was over.” He credited the support from friends and family for helping him gradually heal.

Reflecting on Wood’s legacy, Wagner emphasized her passion and fulfillment as a mother. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Natasha spoke about the continued relevance of her mother’s impact on fans decades after her passing. “It’s just unbelievable that there’s a relevancy to her all these years later,” she remarked. Natasha noted that many people feel a connection to her mother, expressing a sense of protectiveness towards her memory.

She added, “I’m proud of her that she was able to have that impact on people. Maybe it was all meant to be in some weird way.” Natasha, now a mother herself, has found new ways to connect with her late mother through her own daughter, Clover, who is 13. “It’s just really amazing for me to help Clover understand, help myself understand, and to turn my grief into something positive,” she shared.

As the anniversary of Natalie Wood’s passing serves as a reminder of her lasting legacy, Robert Wagner’s tribute encapsulates the enduring love and shared memories that continue to resonate through their family. The couple’s story remains a poignant chapter in Hollywood history, marked by both love and loss.