Meat Loaf's Wife Opens Up About 'Gut-Wrenching' Grief After Rock Legend's Death: 'He Was My World'

Meat Loaf's wife Deborah Aday got candid about what she felt after her husband passed away.

Meat Loaf (born Michael Lee Aday) and Deborah have been married since 2007. She is still grieving days after he passed away. Deborah released a statement to People detailing the loving memories they shared as a family and their final moments together before he died.

"The grief I feel over the loss of my husband is gut-wrenching. I was lying close to Michael when he took his last breath and my sadness is beyond words. I've always called him by his given name because I didn't see him as 'Meat.' I feel much gratitude for the outpouring of love I have received from around the world," she said in a statement.

She continued, "He meant so much to so many people, and it gave me joy to be able to share him with the world. As his wife, I also want everyone to know how much he meant to me as a husband."

According to Deborah, from the day they met, "he was my world." She made sure that "it was always about him," and they exerted effort to make each other feel loved every day.

"There wasn't a day that went by that we didn't tell the other how much we loved them. Not a day that we didn't hug each other," she continued. "Some of my fondest memories will always be about how we so often laughed, and how we brought out the silliness and playfulness in each other. Michael was a hugger — such a physically affectionate and kind man, and I'm grateful that he brought out those traits in me."

Deborah never got married before she met the rock star. According to her, she waited until later in her life to marry the right man. She felt blessed as she reflected on her marriage with the "I'd Do Anything for Love" hitmaker because the latter was an "incredible person." She gushed over how he made her feel loved.

"He didn't hesitate to let me know how much I was appreciated and often sweetly told me, 'You're a good wife.' I will miss hearing that," Deborah shared. "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 was previously married to Leslie Aday. They share two daughters, Pearl, 47, and Amanda, 41. Amanda also spoke with People earlier and recounted the sweet memories she shared with the Grammy-winning artist.

She remembered her dad as a "complex man with a lot of passion, who wore his heart on his sleeve." Amanda and her sister joined their rockstar dad's tours, and they grew up on tour buses, which she found "amazing."

When they returned home, Amanda said the artist "was just dad. He wasn't Meat Loaf anymore."

Meat Loaf passed away Thursday while surrounded by his daughters Amanda and Pearl, his wife Deborah, and some close friends. He was 74. The family is still planning a memorial service and funeral. Amanda said they planned to send invitations to people her dad loved and respected.