Patrick Duffy’s life changed completely in 2017 when his wife of over 40 years, Carlyn Rosser, passed away unexpectedly. For years, he believed he would never heal from such a deep loss. Yet, in his seventies, something surprising happened—he found love again, even when he had least expected it.
For over four decades, Duffy and Rosser shared a love that seemed unbreakable. Their bond wasn’t just about being married—it was about a connection that shaped Duffy’s life, both personally and spiritually.
After Rosser’s death, Duffy struggled, spending years in grief, but eventually, he learned that love could find him again in the most unexpected way. Let’s dive into Patrick Duffy’s incredible love story, from his first marriage to his journey of finding happiness once more.
A Love That Stood the Test of Time
Patrick’s journey with Carlyn began in an unexpected way during his senior year of college. Rosser, a talented ballet dancer with the First Chamber Dance Company of New York, was ten years older than Duffy, but that didn’t stop them from forming a deep connection.
Duffy fondly remembered their first meeting: “I was an immature college graduate touring as a narrator with this dance production, and she was a beautiful ballerina 10 years older. We met on the tour bus, and that was it — for life.”
Their connection was instant, and their relationship quickly blossomed. In 1974, they married in a Buddhist temple, a faith that Rosser had introduced to Duffy. Buddhism became a foundation of their relationship, providing them both with strength and meaning.
That same year, they welcomed their first son, Padraic. The early years of their marriage were challenging but filled with love. They moved to New York, where Duffy worked hard to support his growing family while pursuing his acting dreams. At that time, he took on Off-Broadway roles and even worked as a carpenter to make ends meet.
In the late 1970s, Duffy’s acting career began to gain momentum. After a brief period working as a house painter, he landed a role on the TV show Man from Atlantis. But his big break came in 1978 when he was cast as Bobby Ewing on the hit show Dallas. Around the same time, Duffy and Rosser welcomed their second son, Conor.
However, their happiness was tested in 1986 when Duffy’s parents were tragically murdered during a robbery at their tavern in Boulder, Montana. The horrific loss shook Duffy to his core. He was overwhelmed by grief—anger, sadness, and confusion consumed him.
Yet, he leaned on Rosser and their shared Buddhist faith to navigate this dark time. “When my parents were murdered, I went through all the emotions of the horrific event—shock and anger and everything—but I never felt disconnected from my parents,” Duffy later shared. Buddhism helped him process the unimaginable tragedy, and Rosser was his rock. She was there for him every step of the way.
For 43 years, Duffy and Rosser built a life filled with love, understanding, and spiritual connection. But in 2017, tragedy struck again when Rosser passed away at the age of 77. Her death left Duffy devastated. He had never expected it. “My wife and I, in 48 years, we were always together,” Duffy said, reflecting on their life together. “It was a surprise when she passed. There was no indication. So that was the big adjustment.”
In the months after her death, Duffy struggled to adjust to life without her. In fact, six months later, he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “On this day 6 months ago my heart stopped, yet I live on as she wishes. We will be together eternally.
Thank you for the love and concern.” Despite his profound grief, Duffy found comfort in his memories of Rosser. He leaned heavily on his two sons for support but admitted that he often felt he was the one comforting them. “My boys were there as stalwarts.
But I also realized that, as much as they were trying to buttress old Dad up, I’m probably more adjusted to this set of circumstances than they are,” Duffy confessed.
Though his heart was broken, Duffy cherished the memories he had with Rosser. “I feel close to her all the time,” he said. “What I miss most is her touch.” He expressed deep gratitude for the life they had shared, saying, “I have worked hard to make the best of life, and it’s been good to me.”
By 2019, Duffy had made peace with being a widower, though he still felt strongly that he was married in spirit. “I can hear her. I can see her. I know what she would expect of me, and I try and live up to that,” Duffy shared, keeping Rosser’s memory alive in his heart.
Even though he was heartbroken after losing Rosser, her love and influence remained a guiding light in his life. As he moved through the grieving process, her teachings, her love, and their shared experiences continued to shape his path forward.
And just when he thought he might never find love again, the unexpected happened.
Duffy’s story is a testament to the power of love. Despite facing unimaginable heartache, his journey proved that love could rise again, even after the deepest sorrow. The bond he shared with Carlyn Rosser was unbreakable, and her memory continued to give him the strength to live a full life.
His journey, filled with love, loss, and healing, shows that even in the most difficult times, hope can emerge.
A Love Rediscovered in an Unexpected Chapter
At 71, Patrick Duffy never thought he would fall in love again. After losing his wife, Rosser, he believed that love had left his life forever. But life has a way of surprising us, especially when we least expect it. During the quiet and lonely days of the pandemic, something beautiful began to bloom in Patrick’s life—something he never saw coming.
Years before, Duffy and Linda Purl had been casual friends, but over time, they lost touch. It wasn’t until a group text with a mutual friend reconnected them that their story began again. At first, the messages were simple, just catching up.
But as time went on, those small exchanges turned into deep, meaningful conversations. “We Zoomed every single night for at least two to three hours,” Patrick said. “We explored all our history, our past, our loves. We listened to music together and covered all that ground you normally cover over months of dating.”
The connection grew stronger with each passing day. It wasn’t long before Patrick knew he wanted to meet Linda in person. “I loaded up my car and drove 20 hours just to see if it was real,” he revealed. He arrived at her doorstep, not sure what to expect, but hoping for something special.
From that moment on, the two were inseparable. Linda described their relationship as “a very Victorian process,” taking their time to build trust and friendship before anything romantic blossomed.
“I never thought for a minute this would happen again,” Patrick admitted. “I never thought I’d feel this way again.” But the feelings were undeniable, and the two began a relationship filled with warmth, laughter, and joy. It was different from any love he had known before.
Their bond was rooted in a deep understanding of each other’s pasts and the shared experiences of life.
Their love story wasn’t just about the two of them—it also spilled over into their professional lives. In 2021, Patrick and Linda starred together in a television movie, playing a married couple.
“It’s the first time in my entire career that I got up in the morning with my costar and then walked to the set holding hands,” Patrick shared. “The chemistry works, offstage and on. And always being together and not being afraid to show affection was so enjoyable.” For both of them, it was an experience unlike any other.
“It’s all about her,” Patrick said of their relationship. “How do I get her to smile? We’ve eliminated all the trial and errors that happen in younger relationships. It’s all positive and lovely.” Their connection was more than just a romance—it was a partnership, filled with mutual respect and a genuine desire to bring happiness to each other.
Linda, too, was amazed by what had blossomed between them. “Life is full of surprises, both good and bad,” she reflected. “Patrick and I weren’t looking for this. We didn’t expect it or see it coming when our paths crossed. Don’t ever give up.”
For Patrick, this relationship felt like a gift he never expected. He believed his late wife, Rosser, would have supported his newfound happiness. “I feel, quite honestly, that it is keeping with the desires of my wife, the fact that we are intended to be happy,” he said. “So when it’s offered, think about it, do whatever you do, but don’t let it pass you up if it’s the right thing.”
In an interview with Senior Planet in 2023, the couple discussed their thoughts on love later in life. Patrick admitted that he never thought he would find love again after his first marriage. “By then, I was 70, and I had a good 46-year marriage,” he said.
“I thought I was content, but then I realized, over the course of months talking with Linda, that being content is not the end goal in life for anybody.”
Linda, who had been married four times, including a brief marriage to Desi Arnaz Jr., didn’t expect love to come knocking again either. “I certainly didn’t have an expectation of having a life partnership or a deeper relationship,” she said. “I was living a fulfilling life in New York.” But then Patrick came into her life, and everything changed.
Patrick jokingly added, “But she had no idea who she was dealing with!” Their playful humor is one of the many things that made their relationship unique. “Every union is individual,” Linda said when asked what makes their love special. “But we laugh an inordinate amount of the time together, so that was a bonus. We also had a lot of common ground.”
Patrick agreed, adding, “Also, at our age, both having been in previous long relationships, you’ve already overcome the whole prologue to a relationship, which makes starting a relationship later in life ten times easier. You’re starting in the final lap towards the winning line, not at the starting gate.”
While marriage wasn’t immediately on the horizon, the couple wasn’t ruling it out. “Right now, this relationship is as deep and as meaningful as any relationship I have ever been in,” Patrick said. It was clear that they had something special—something worth holding on to.
In November 2024, Linda shared a picture on Instagram of the two of them smiling in Italy, their love stronger than ever. “Gorgeous Couple♥️,” one fan commented, while another wrote, “❤️❤️❤️such cuties.”
A third person added, “Beautiful couple ❤️,” and a fourth said, “You’re a good looking couple. God bless! ❤️❤️❤️.” The love that had started unexpectedly, in the quiet of the pandemic, had blossomed into a beautiful new chapter for both of them.
Patrick’s journey with Linda is a testament to the fact that love can begin again, even after a great loss. His memories of Rosser will always be with him, but now, with Linda, he’s rediscovered a joy and connection he never thought he’d experience again.
“Love can endure,” he said, “and sometimes, it can find you again, when you least expect it.”
