Judy Belushi Pisano, widow of the late John Belushi, has died at the age of 73.
official Instagram and Facebook pages Belushi announced the news on Saturday, offering moving words about his dedication to his legacy.
“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Judy,” the post begins. “Her unwavering dedication and creativity, along with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, created The Blues Brothers, a lasting testament to the power of music and laughter.”
The post continues: “In the years since John’s death in 1982, Judy celebrated his life and championed his legacy and the Blues Brothers brand. As we say goodbye, we pledge to carry on her work and ensure that John’s legacy and The Blues Brothers never fade.”
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Judy Belushi Pisano, widow of the late John Belushi, has died at the age of 73. (Getty Images)
“There is no one like her. Judy made everyone feel loved. She was open-minded, cheerful, funny and genuine. Being around her allowed you to be your true self. That alone was a gift,” the statement concluded, adding, “The Belushi and Pisano families will forever hold your love in their hearts.”
Judy was born Judith Jacklin in 1951 and met the comedian while in high school, marrying him in 1976.
In a 2020 interview with People magazine ahead of the release of a documentary about him, she recalled Belushi saying, “‘I want to be an actor, but you’re probably not going to make any money, so we should break up.’ But I always knew he’d make it.”
Belushi and Judy met in high school and married in 1976. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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They moved to New York City in the 1970s, where she worked as a radio producer before Belushi appeared on “SNL” during its debut season. The couple were known to throw afterparties at their home during Belushi’s time on the show.
Judy also appeared in Belushi’s hit films Animal House and The Blues Brothers.
The couple remained married until Belushi’s death from a drug overdose in 1982.
Judy remained married to Belushi until his death from a drug overdose in 1982. (Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
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“John wasn’t perfect,” Judy told People magazine in 2020. “But he was a complete human being – compassionate, adventurous, kind. And he not only made people laugh, he inspired them.”
Martha’s Vineyard Times She married Victor Pisano in 1990 and reportedly filed for divorce in 2010.
In addition to working to preserve Belushi’s legacy, Judy was also active in the arts, including producing the 2010 documentary “John Belushi: Dancing on the Edge,” and hosting film screenings on the island.
“John wasn’t perfect,” Judy told People magazine in 2020 about Belushi. “But he was a caring, adventurous, kind person — a complete human being. And he not only made people laugh, he inspired people.” (Daniel Bozarski/Getty Images)
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According to the media, Judy passed away after a long battle with endometrial cancer and is survived by her children and grandchildren.
