Meat Loaf's widow Deborah has described her own 'gut wrenching grief' at the loss of her husband who was adored by music fans around the globe.
The death of the Bat Out Of Hell singer, on Thursday aged 74, has sparked an 'outpouring of love' for the music icon who sold tens of millions of copies of the hit album and stared in 40 movies during his phenomenal career.
But the passing of rock royalties loss although felt by fans is nothing compared to the personal tragedy felt by his widow Deborah.
Deborah told People magazine: 'The grief I feel over the loss of my husband is gut-wrenching.'
Sharing the rock legend's last moments she opened up saying she was with him as he took his last breath adding: "My sadness is beyond words."
She also shared how she didn't take on the stars stage name Meatloaf or - Meat as it was often shorten too - preferring instead to use his name Micheal.
She told the publication: ''I've always called him by his given name because I didn't see him as Meat."
Deborah, who married the Wayne's World actor in 2007, admitted the couple had an affectionate relationship and 'hugged every day' and made her feel appreciated as a wife.
She added: "Our life together was an adventure. He was my best friend, my confidant, my lover and I miss him terribly already. As much as my heart is in pain right now, my heart is also so full of the love and glory we shared together. I will love you forever, Michael."
Meat Loaf's devastated daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday also shared loving tributes taking to Instagram in his memory.
Pearl, 47, posted a picture of herself hugging him onstage, writing: "I love you always, no matter what. I love you with my whole heart. We got you. Forever.'
Meanwhile Amanda, 41, shared an album of pictures of the two of them through the years and wrote: "I love you daddy always and forever".
Meatloaf who was born Michael Lee Aday - was famous for his incredible vocal range and operatic rock after starting his career in theatre before breaking into the music industry.
The rock icon was said to have fallen ill to Covid-19 and it is unclear whether Meat Loaf was vaccinated - but just months before his death he declared "if I die, I die - I'm not going to be controlled" when discussing the virus.
