There are many people who get married despite the fact that critics may doubt their ability to stay married for the long term. This often happens when we get married quickly or perhaps we are young and people don’t think we are yet responsible enough for the bond.
In 1995, there was a young couple who also were doubted but they ended up getting married and they stayed married for 25 years. They also were the first couple with Down syndrome in the UK to become husband and wife.
These days, we hear about people who have Down syndrome getting married on a regular basis. At that time, however, it was unheard of and it was the first time in the world that a couple with Down syndrome said I do.
Just like any other disability, however, those with Down syndrome have the ability to beat the odds, and certainly, that is what Tommy and Maryanne Pilling did. In fact, they are an inspiration to many who wonder if they have what it takes.
Maryanne was born in 1971. Her mother, Linda Martin, provided her with a loving atmosphere at home and she also had a sister who loved her as well. There were still times, however, when she struggled in life and she was even rejected by her father.
Since she was raised in a loving household, however, she grew up to be a very loving woman. It was easy to see in her lively personality.
Tommy was born in 1958 and was an only child. When he was 12 years old, he became an orphan and he grew up in a care home in Essex. He did have delayed development because of a lack of a support system, and he didn’t care much for his physical appearance.
When the two of them met in 1990, they were working in a kitchen in a training home for disabled individuals. He was 32 and she was 19 at the time.
It was easy to see how Maryanne felt about Tommy because she would absolutely light up when she spoke about him. They shared a number of common interests, such as music, cooking, movies, and doing craftwork.
Tommy also loved Elvis Pressley and the two of them would dance together on a regular basis. He would also let her know how much he loved her, and eventually, the family got accustomed to having him around.
18 months after they started dating, he proposed to her and asked her mother for permission to marry her daughter. The mother didn’t hesitate, she gave her blessings right away.
Other people, however, were not quite so positive about the idea of the two of them getting married. Some said that she wasn’t ready for it and some even asked about their sex life.
Despite the fact that they were criticized openly, they got married in 1995. 250 people came to the wedding, which was a fairytale for them.
They lived together with her family for seven years before moving into their own apartment next door. Her sister also moved along with them.
They have a very strong bond because he listens carefully when she speaks. There is never any type of hidden agenda and they love each other with their whole hearts.
Unfortunately, Tommy was hospitalized in 2020 after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then got COVID. Due to his declining health, he passed away. That was on January 1, 2021.
When the news was broken to her, she seemed to understand but still was a little confused about the situation. We are just glad that they had almost 30 years together, and they loved each other till the end.
Dоnny Оsmоnd sаys ‘finаl’ gооdbyеs tо fаmily, shаrеs swееt рhоtо оn Instаgrаm with grаndkids
Donny Osmond, the former teen idol has five sons and 14 grandchildren, all who are eagerly awaiting the return of the multi-hyphenate entertainer, currently on a three-month “Direct from Las Vegas“ tour.
And right before his departure, Osmond showed his social media followers what a giant peacock and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have in common.
Keep reading to learn more!
Donny Osmond, who found galactic success as a teen heartthrob in the 1970s, is as busy today as he was five decades ago.
In 2019, the 66-year-old man ended an 11-year Las Vegas residency with his sister Marie and returned to Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, headlining his first solo residency, which he resumes in the fall of 2024.
After stepping on the stage for the show, where he takes audiences on a “dynamic, energy-filled musical journey of his unparalleled life,” Osmond flies out to the UK for a limited run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The TV host wowed live theatre audiences with his performance as Joseph in the hit musical that ran from 1992 to 1998, and this time, he’s taking on the role of Pharaoh.
“I always knew I would return to ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’” Osmond said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Having starred as Joseph in over 2,000 performances in this magical musical, I am now ready to channel my inner Elvis and assume the role of Pharaoh in Edinburgh starting this December [2024].”
But before any of that happens, he’s spending the summer, taking the “Direct from Las Vegas” show to venues across North America.
Giant peacock
With a packed schedule that keeps him from the large family he built with wife Debra (married in 1978), the musician carves out time to spend with his five sons and 14 grandchildren.
Speaking with People, Osmond earlier explained that regardless of how busy he is, family always comes first.
“That’s what balances my life out. Family is the most important thing, because the curtain will come down eventually, and then what do you have?”
Offering fans a glimpse into how he spent the days leading up to his tour, Osmond – who was disguised as a peacock in the first season of Masked Singer – shаrеd an image on his Instagram, where he’s seen in the pool with the grandchildren and a giant inflatable peacock.
He captions the post, “Enjoying a final swim at home with my grandkids before the long US summer tour begins this Friday in Milwaukee. By the way, thanks to Sue Pearson from Leeds in the UK who gave me that inflatable peacock during my tour over there. We’ve had so much fun with it. Speaking of fun, I’ll see you all real soon on my US summer tour.”
Osmond’s loyal followers jumped into the comments section praising the family man, as well as sharing their excitement over his tour.
One netizen writes, “So this is how you stay looking young Donny, your happiness and precious family makes you smile, and that is why you’re always happy on stage.” A second, gushing over the kids, shаrеs: “What a beautiful pictures of you and your grandbabies. Can’t wait to see you [in] Louisville.”
“Can’t wait for this summer tour. Rest up…what is it 41 venues? Wow! Donny What a historic US Tour. So exciting! See you in Connecticut,” adds a third.
Meanwhile, some fans zoned in on the peacock and referenced it to his appearance on Masked Singer. “Love the peacock…you should have won!!!!” one writes.
If you haven’t yet figured out what a peacock and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have in common, they both are costumes worn by this legendary singer!
What are your thoughts on Donny Osmond? Please let us know what you think and then shаrе this story so we can hear what others have to say!
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