Tom Ford, 60, has announced that his partner for the past 35 years, the fashion journalist Richard Buckley, 72, has died following a long illness. He died with Ford, and their eight-year-old son, Alexander John Buckley Ford (known as Jack), by his side, on Sunday evening, at their Los Angeles home.
“It is with great sadness that Tom Ford announces the death of his beloved husband of 35 years, Richard Buckley,” a statement from the family read.
“Richard passed away peacefully at their home in Los Angeles last night with Tom and their son Jack by his side. He died of natural causes after a long illness.”
No further details were given. Buckley previously underwent surgery for throat cancer in 1989.
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Buckley’s career as a fashion journalist began in 1979 at New York Magazine, followed by stints with Women’s Wear Daily, Vanity Fair, and Mirabella. He became Editor in Chief of Vogue Hommes International in 1999.
Ford and met Buckley in 1986 at a fashion show and they quickly became inseparable.
Ford later said in an interview with Jess Cagle, “Our eyes locked and within a month we were living together. We have been together ever since.”
He said their actual first encounter with one another was in an elevator.
“By the time that elevator landed on the ground floor I thought, “You’re the one.” That’s it. Click. Sold,’ he said.
“It was literally love at first sight.”
The two men had their son, via a surrogate, in 2012, and married in 2014.
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PerhapsYesNoMaybe
A lovely couple. Heartbreaking. RIP.
Kangol2
My condolences to Tom Ford and their son. RIP, Richard Buckley.
KyleMichelSullivan
Thirty-five years…wow. They were together longer than all 9 of my parents’ marriages, put together. I’m sorry for his loss and wish him the best.
Phil H
Very sad. I’ve been with my husband for 19 years and can’t even begin to imagine not having him in my life. The level of loss after 35 years must be indescribable.
CKNJ
Sad news indeed 🙁 a whole lifetime together, so much to grieve losing. RIP Richard.
ggontarek
My husband and I are going on 33 years. This would be devastating. RIP.
ShiningSex
Such awful news. They were together for so many years. Many couples hope they could be together that long and it’s great to see when they are. Total dedication.
Phillip
My husband and I are going on 40+ years and I cannot imagine one day without him.
May Mr. Ford remain strong in his memories of his husband and keep those memories alive for their son.
GayEGO
It is tough to lose your husband/partner, we were together 57 years, married 15 years. He passed away two years ago at the age of 88. I miss him but fortunately I am in our home where my heart is.
Caddy4J
Truly sad, 35 years together. They were together at a time when people were so negative. Your love for each other conquered all. Rest easy Mr. Buckley, you’re at peace. My sincere condolences to Mr. Ford and their son Jack, he will always be your guiding light from above.
Fahd
My condolences. May Mr. Ford live many years and see their son into adulthood. Children of older parents sometimes wind up on their own before they’re ready.
JRamonMc
They were such a class act. Condolences to both of their families and may their son hold his dad’s past and present close to his heart.
RyanMBecker
Totally irrelevant and somewhat irreverent comment but … Buckley has the thinnest neck I’ve ever seen on a man, and I’ve seen some really thin neck on emaciated patients.