The Reason The Cars’ Frontman Ric Ocasek Left His Wife Paulina Porizkova Out of His Will
Fans of 1980s music were sad to learn recently of the passing of singer Ric Ocasek of The Cars at the age of 75. The lead singer and rhythm guitarist died on Sept. 15 of heart disease, with pulmonary emphysema as a contributing condition.
His band The Cars was inducted in 2018 into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which called the musical group “the ultimate New Wave dream machine: a hook-savvy super-charged quintet that fused 60s pop, 70s glam and avant-rock minimalism into a decade of dashboard-radio nirvana.”
It came to light this week that Ocasek removed his wife, former supermodel Paulina Porizkova, from his will prior to his death. Find out why he made that decision, plus his final, sweet message of hope to his family.
His wife found Ocasek after his passing
In September of this year, Ocasek had surgery for an undisclosed medical issue. His wife, Porizkova, posted on Instagram about his recuperation and finding that her husband had passed away.
“Ric was at home recuperating very well after surgery. Our two sons, Jonathan and Oliver, and I were making sure he was comfortable, ordering food and watching TV together. I found him still asleep when bringing him his Sunday morning coffee. I touched his cheek to rouse him. It was then I realized that during the night he had peacefully passed on.”
“We appreciate the great outpouring of love,” the statement continued. “We, his family and friends, are completely and utterly devastated by his untimely and unexpected death and would appreciate the privacy to mourn in private.”
His final message of hope to his family
After Ocasek’s passing, his sons, Jonathan and Oliver, also posted on their father’s Facebook page, delivering a note to his fans and sharing a photo of what is likely the musician’s last drawing.
“From Ric’s sons: Our dad was a prolific doodler. His passing was sudden, unexpected, and beyond heartbreaking. Yesterday, we found this last doodle on his armchair. He couldn’t have known what it would end up meaning to us. We love him so much.”
Their father’s final doodle was a difficult to distinguish black and red figure, but it was his words surrounding the drawing that meant the most to his sons.
‘It is what it is’,” said one of Ocasek’s notes at the bottom of the page. Finally, the Let’s Go singer also wrote, almost as though to console his family, ‘Keep on laughin’.’
Why Ric Ocasek left his wife out of his will
The musician revised his will with instructions that Porizkova not receive anything belonging to him. He stated that the 54-year-old had “abandoned” him, according to Page Six. The document also did not make provisions for two of his six children, although it is noted that they may have been provided for separately.
“I have made no provision for my wife Paulina Porizkova (‘Paulina’) as we are in the process of divorcing,” Ocasek said in the will. The couple separated in 2017.
“Even if I should die before our divorce is final … Paulina is not entitled to any elective share … because she has abandoned me,” he added.
Porizkova replied on Instagram, noting she has known for a while and loves Ocasek regardless.
“I’ve known about the will since the day after Ric passed. All you have heard from me since- is in spite of that. #loveneverdies“
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