Amanda Kloots Reflects on Love, Loss, and Moving Forward

Amanda Kloots confronts a prevalent misconception about dating after the loss of a spouse. She believes that embracing new relationships does not mean abandoning the memory of the person who has died. Kloots, who lost her husband, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, to COVID-19 in 2020, has spoken out about the judgment some widows and widowers face when they consider opening their hearts again. The feelings of sadness and love don’t vanish, even when new relationships begin.

“You can hold a lot of love in your heart,” Kloots expressed in an interview. She made it clear that dating again doesn’t diminish the love for a lost partner. “It’s actually more than that,” she added. Grief, she notes, doesn’t simply fade away; instead, it can coexist with happiness and new love.

Kloots, who highlights the importance of recognizing grief without letting it hinder one’s life, underscores that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. “There’s a lot of room in my heart for love and new relationships,” she stated. It’s akin to welcoming more children into a family. Each new relationship adds to the tapestry of love rather than replacing the existing connections.

Being open about dating again, Kloots emphasizes that new love doesn’t erase the past. Those entering relationships with widowed individuals need to understand this reality from the outset. “These people will never leave our lives,” she explained. “But there’s definitely room for new love, new relationships, and that’s a beautiful thing.” She called on people to support their friends who are navigating this complex journey, acknowledging that it is challenging and that kindness and understanding are essential.

Kloots has shared how her life changed dramatically when Cordero passed away on July 5, 2020, after a long battle with COVID-19. Their move from New York City to Los Angeles, which was meant to be a fresh start, quickly turned into a nightmare as she wrestled with sudden widowhood. Yet, she continues to talk about Cordero, believing that keeping his memory alive is crucial for their son, Elvis. She aims to make sure he knows who his father was, stating, “If he were still alive, I would talk about him all the time.”

Cordero has left behind a lasting impact, one Kloots feels profoundly. She describes the spiritual connection she maintains with him, claiming to receive signs that reinforce that bond even after his passing. “He’s always been close to Elvis and me,” she said, expressing that this ongoing connection is what has helped her through the years.

Now, Kloots is channeling her experiences into a new podcast, “Good Grief with Amanda Kloots.” The podcast covers various aspects of grief, touching on themes like loss in relationships and careers and the challenges of identity post-loss. Kloots reiterates that her grief and love have no expiration; it’s been six years since Cordero’s death, yet she is still finding ways to honor him while making space for her life to continue to grow.