Sean Connery’s Widow Reveals He Battled Dementia In His Final Days: ‘It Took Its Toll On Him’

KEY POINTS

Sean Connery's son Jason said his late father had been “unwell for some time”
Connery's widow revealed the actor “was not able to express himself” before he passed away Saturday
The James Bond actor died in his sleep at the age of 90 in the Bahamas

Sean Connery’s wife of 45 years, Micheline Roquebrune, revealed that the late James Bond actor suffered from dementia prior to his death.

The 91-year-old French-Moroccan artist opened up about the final days of her late husband, who died in his sleep at the age of 90 on Friday. Roquebrune told Mail on Sunday that Connery’s battle with dementia “took a toll on him” and that he got his wish to “slip away without any fuss.”

“It was no life for him. He was not able to express himself latterly,” Connery’s widow said.

“At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted,” she added.

Connery died while staying in the Bahamas, although the cause of death has not been disclosed. The official statement from his rep only revealed that he was surrounded by his wife and his sons, Jason and Stephane, when he passed away.

“There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended," the statement read.

Jason told BBC that they were trying to understand his passing, but Connery, who played 007 in seven James Bond movies, had been “unwell for some time.”

Since his death, a number of celebrities have taken to social media to mourn Connery’s passing, with other James Bond actors paying homage to the late Scottish star.

Pierce Brosnan said he considers Connery the “greatest James Bond,” while Daniel Craig wrote in an Instagram post that the late actor “defined an era and style,” praising his “wit and charm” onscreen.

“Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role. You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time,” Brosnan wrote in his tribute.

“He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come,” Craig added.

Arnold Schwarzenegger referred to Connery as a “legend” who was an inspiration to him.