This Iconic Actress Gave Up Everything to Care for Her Husband—Her Story Will Move You to Tears!

Her life seemed like a glamorous Hollywood dream—working alongside some of the biggest stars in films that became classics. But her greatest happiness came from a love story that lasted nearly 50 years. When her husband’s health declined in his later years, she stood by him, dedicating herself to his care.

She rose to fame in the 1950s, becoming part of Hollywood’s golden age with roles in movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Her career lasted six decades, making her a well-known figure in film, television, and theater.

Known for her charm and energy, she could do it all—sing, dance, and act—staying a steady presence in entertainment for years. Her 46-year marriage wasn’t always easy, especially in later years, but her devotion to her husband showed that love can survive anything.

Her first television role was on The Burns and Allen Show when she was just 16. It wasn’t a big break, but it got her a union card and started her journey in show business.

Her early TV work led to bigger roles. She soon auditioned for the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The producers were looking for dancers, and her ballet skills caught their attention.

When asked if she could do something more “folksy,” she performed a Lithuanian polka, drawing from her family’s Eastern European roots. Her unique charm and talent landed her the role of Ruth Jepson.

The film was a major success, and one moment from rehearsals stayed with her. She once slipped on a wooden platform, hit her head, and was briefly knocked out. Laughing it off, she joked that she had dropped a coin and was trying to find it. Despite the injury, she quickly got back to work.

After Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, she starred in other major films, including Funny Face (1957) alongside Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, and Witness for the Prosecution (1957).

Her ability to take on different roles kept her busy for decades in film, TV, and theater. She admitted she never became a superstar but was proud of her steady career. “I’m a triple threat,” she once said, acknowledging her skills in acting, singing, and dancing.

She also spent five years on the Home Shopping Network, where her lively personality won over viewers. Reflecting on her career, she said, “I’ve always managed to make a living at it.”

While she had many professional successes, her greatest fulfillment came from her marriage. Her love story would define her later years.

During her Hollywood career, she met and married Webb Lowe, a Texas real estate executive. She described him as “handsome in every way” and even more wonderful on the inside. “He was the finest man God could’ve sent.”

The couple built a beautiful life together, traveling the world, sharing laughter, and supporting each other. Their love remained strong, and their marriage lasted an incredible 46 years.

In February 2020, she celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt message. “Today and every day is special with this wonderful man,” she wrote. She encouraged others to cherish love, whether in a relationship or single.

For decades, they faced life’s ups and downs together. But as time went on, her love for Lowe was put to the ultimate test.

Their joyful life changed when Lowe suffered a stroke. His health declined, and he needed constant care. Without hesitation, she stepped into the role of caregiver, devoting herself to his well-being.

She was honest about the emotional toll it took, admitting she sometimes lost patience. But Lowe’s kind and grateful nature helped her push through. His calmness gave her strength during the hardest times.

As the years passed, Lowe’s condition worsened. He developed dementia, slowly slipping away. Watching the man she loved fade was heartbreaking.

Still, she stayed strong and gave advice to others in similar situations. “You really have to pray hard and call on all those great reserves of love,” she said. “They don’t know what they’re doing to you. And things can tear you apart if you let them.”

Despite the challenges, she never wavered. For her, caregiving was simply an extension of their deep love. It wasn’t easy, but she was committed to being there for him until the end.

In July 2020, Lowe passed away just before his 89th birthday. Though losing him was painful, she focused on gratitude rather than grief.

“When he died, all I could do was look back with a smile,” she said. “I had 46 glorious years without a fight. He was a gentle, loving soul.”

Still, his final years had been difficult. “Every few months, I’d see him slipping away more,” she recalled. But instead of dwelling on the sadness, she honored his memory by celebrating the life they built together.

On what would have been their 48th wedding anniversary, she shared a heartfelt message: “Happy Heavenly Anniversary. Although no longer with me… my beloved Webster is always in my heart.”

Fans responded with love and support. One called it a “beautiful love story,” while another said, “Great that you can miss him that way.”

Even in loss, she found comfort in their memories. “I thank God every day,” she said. “I’m sorry that he’s gone, but I’m grateful for the years we had.”

After losing Lowe, she turned her focus to a cause close to her heart—helping others through her work with The Thalians, a Hollywood nonprofit supporting mental health.

She had been involved with The Thalians for years, helping raise money for psychiatric care for children. Later, the organization shifted its focus to helping returning veterans, which she passionately supported.

“My work with The Thalians is what I’m proudest of,” she shared. “Right now, we’re focused on the mental health of our returning veterans.”

Helping others gave her a renewed sense of purpose, just as acting had for decades. At 89, she remains active and engaged, showing no signs of slowing down.

Fans continue to admire her. “A forever fan since the early 60s!” one person wrote. Others praised her beauty and spirit, calling her “gorgeous” and “so beautiful.”

Even with all her accomplishments, she still feels like her journey isn’t over. “I don’t think I’ve had my big break yet,” she once joked. “I still think I have somewhere else to go.”