Shelley Winters Ties the Knot with Longtime Partner Before Passing Away

Movie icon Shelley Winters fulfilled her wish of marrying her partner, Gerry DeFord, just hours before her recent passing.

The star of The Poseidon Adventure had been in a relationship with DeFord for 18 years.

Initially, their wedding plans were called off due to opposition from Winters' daughter, Vittoria Gassman.

Gassman, who had taken over managing her mother's affairs during her struggles with substance abuse, was hesitant to relinquish any claims to the actress's wealth.

Consequently, Winters chose to abandon her hopes of getting married.

However, on her deathbed, she became Mrs. Gerry DeFord, thanks to her actress friend Sally Kirkland, who is a legally ordained minister in Los Angeles.

This union marked Winters' fourth marriage and DeFord's first.

Tragically, Winters passed away from heart failure merely 10 hours after exchanging vows.

The surprising revelation that Sally Kirkland is an ordained minister came to light during this poignant event.

The fact that Kirkland played a pivotal role in officiating Winters and DeFord's wedding added an unexpected twist to the story.

Additionally, Vittoria Gassman's identity as Winters' daughter was highlighted amid the family dynamics surrounding the actress's final moments.

The conflict arising from Gassman's stance against the marriage showcased the complexities within their relationships.

Reflecting on the situation, one cannot help but ponder the intricacies of familial ties and personal desires that unfolded in Winters' final hours.

The emotional weight carried by Gassman, who found herself at odds with her mother's romantic aspirations, underscores the challenges faced by individuals navigating familial expectations and personal autonomy.

In the face of impending mortality, Winters chose to prioritize her own happiness by embracing love and commitment, despite the obstacles in her path.

Quoting Woody Allen's poignant words, “It's not that I'm afraid to die.

I just don't want to be there when it happens,” encapsulates the bittersweet essence of life and death.

Winters' determination to fulfill her dream of marriage before her passing exemplifies the resilience and spirit that defined her legacy in Hollywood.

The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow in her final moments