Patti Smithis reflecting on one of the heartbreaking songs she wrote about her husband's death.
The 79-year-old musician was married to rockerFred "Sonic" Smithwhen he died suddenly at age 46 in 1994, and even all these years later, Patti'sgriefseems to be just as palpable as ever.
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In anInstagram clipfrom a vulnerable new conversation withAnderson Cooperon hisAll There Ispodcast, Patti became overwhelmed with emotional while they listened to her song "Farewell Reel," which she released after Fred's death as part of her 1996 album,Gone Again.
While just a few lines into the song, Patti couldn't stop from breaking down in tears.
In the song, Patti sings in part, "Our wild love came from above and wilder stillIs the wind that howlsLike a voice that knows it's gone'Cause darling, you died, and well, I criedBut I'll get bySalute our love, and send you asmile, and move on."
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After listening to the snippet from the song, Patti apologized to Cooper for getting emotional. He replied by telling her, "You don't have to say sorry," and that her song is "beautiful."
While admitting it was "nice" to hear her song, Patti said it was still "heartbreaking" to listen to.
"Every line in that is true," she added of the ode to her late husband, whom she was married to from 1980 until his death in 1994. The MC5 rocker, who shared two children with Patti, died of heart failure.
In the comments on the video, fans noted how visceral Patti's grief seems to be, even after over 3 decades without her husband.
"She lost him over 30 years ago and is stillgrieving. When you love deeply, you grieve deeply, possibly forever. That's how you carry love forward. Beautiful. 🥹" one user wrote.
"Beautiful song," someone else echoed. "And you can see she still feels every bit of that grief of missing him."
One user said Patti's "Farewell Reel" is "one of the most beautiful memorials ever written and recorded."
"she is pure raw real humanity. her heart her mind her soul. ❤️" another user added.
Related: Fans Flood Patti Smith's Instagram With Love After 'Horses' Reissue News
This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in theCelebssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
