There has been some very sad news coming from the camp of not only Keith Richard’s but from the Rolling Stones camp in general.
Shirley Ann Shepherd Watts, the wife of late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, died recently on Friday, Dec. 16, and Keith put up a touching tribute to her and Charlie Watts along with their horse on his Instagram. She was 84.
The family first announced: “Shirley died peacefully on Friday 16th December in Devon after a short illness surrounded by her family.”
Charlie and Shirley met before he joined the legendary band and were together for more than 50 years before his death in 2021.
One of the first to pay tribute, Ronnie Wood, shared a tribute to Shirley on Facebook, and wrote, “Sally and I are very sad to hear about the death of our friend Shirley Watts. We will miss you so much, but take comfort that you are reunited with your beloved Charlie. Our thoughts and prayers are with their daughter Seraphina, granddaughter Charlotte, and son-in-law Barry, much love to you all at this very sad time.”
Shirley and Charlie, who died in August 2021, were married for 57 years. Keith Richards also revealed in March 2022 that his late bandmate died after a long battle with cancer.
Watts is said to have harbored one regret about his life in the limelight.
“The one regret I have of this life is that I was never home enough,” Watts once said about his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley Shepherd, according to Vulture. “But she always says when I come off tour that I am a nightmare and tells me to go back out.”
On Instagram, Keith Richards stated that he was very sad to hear about the passing of Shirley and wished her, Charlie, and their horse, Barry, all the very best for the next life.
