Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has sadly died at the age of 84.
The Ferguson family confirmed the news in a statement released to the PA news agency on Friday 6th October.
The statement read: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family asks for privacy at this time."
Cathy and Sir Alex, who is currently featuring in the media due to the new Beckham documentary series on Netflix, had been married since 1966, with the couple having met while they were both working at a typewriter factory.
Sir Alex is known for gushing over his wife and credits much of her support to his success managing the football club.
Upon announcing his retirement back in 2013, the boss shared: “My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.”
In 2002, Cathy had been instrumental in convincing her husband to reverse his decision to retire at that point, and he went on to manage the club for a further 11 years. Sir Alex eventually called time on his monumental role in the club after his wife's sister died.
Interviewed in a documentary called Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In released in 2021, Cathy revealed her husband had chosen a sweet first date idea as she reflected on their relationship.
Explaining that her football-mad beau took her to the cinema, Cathy teased: “He bought me a box of liquorice Allsorts at the movies, of which he ate all of them, and a local paper when we came out. That was my romantic day.
“We got married in Glasgow registry office in 1966 and that was the start. I went to my work and he went to his football," the star added at the time.
Sir Alex's longtime football club have also released a statement sharing their thoughts for the former manager at such a difficult time.
“Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy," it read. “Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”
Broadcast journalist and former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes led the tributes to Lady Cathy.
"My Heart goes out to Sir Alex on the passing of his wife Lady Cathy Ferguson," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We have shared Many Happy social gatherings over the years. He was called The Boss but believe me she was The Boss.
"Heartbreaking for him and their whole extended family. My sympathies #RIPCathy."
"Without Lady Cathy Ferguson, there would be no Sir Alex Ferguson, and consequently, no legacy of Manchester United," a fan wrote.
Another Red Devils follower added: "Sad to hear that the woman who was behind everything that we saw in Sir Alex is no more."
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