Patrick Duffy Thought He’d Never Love Again After His Wife’s Death — Until 71 Changed Everything
Patrick Duffy, whose life revolved around his 43-year marriage to Carlyn Rosser, struggled deeply after her death in 2017. He had never imagined loving again, but unexpectedly found happiness with actress Linda Purl in his seventies.
Duffy met Rosser during college, and their bond grew stronger through Buddhism, leading to their marriage in 1974. They had two sons and faced numerous challenges together, including the traumatic murder of Duffy’s parents in 1986. After Rosser’s sudden passing in 2017, Duffy embraced widowhood, finding solace in their memories and the Buddhist principles they shared.
In 2020, Duffy reconnected with Purl, a former acquaintance, during the pandemic. They began nightly Zoom calls, quickly deepening their relationship. After a 20-hour drive to meet in person, their bond grew stronger, and they eventually worked together professionally. Duffy, who never expected to fall in love again, now expresses how joyful and natural their connection feels.
Their relationship is built on mutual respect and shared passions, with Duffy praising Purl’s dedication to the arts. In 2025, they celebrated the New Year together, a testament to the unexpected love that bloomed later in life. Duffy’s story reflects the enduring power of love, even after loss, showing that happiness can be found again when least expected.
