Patrick Swayze's Widow Reveals She Still Talks to His Ghost

Lisa Niemi opens up about maintaining a spiritual connection with her late husband 17 years after his death.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered glass surface, capturing the glittering, high-contrast texture and dramatic lighting to conceptually represent the enduring spiritual connection between a widow and her deceased husband.The enduring bond between Patrick Swayze and his widow Lisa Niemi transcends the physical world, as she maintains a spiritual connection with her late husband's memory.Santa Monica Today

In a deeply emotional new interview, Lisa Niemi, the widow of actor Patrick Swayze, revealed that nearly 17 years after his death, she still speaks to his ghost every day. Niemi, who was married to Swayze for 34 years, described their relationship as the foundation of her adult life, making his loss from pancreatic cancer in 2009 all the more devastating. Despite the grief, Niemi has found comfort in keeping Swayze's memory alive and feeling his presence in her daily life.

Why it matters

Niemi's story highlights the profound and lasting impact the loss of a spouse can have, as well as the ways in which some people seek to maintain a spiritual connection with their deceased loved ones. Her openness about this experience may resonate with others who have gone through similar losses and provide insight into the grieving process.

The details

Niemi revealed that she still feels Swayze's presence, hears his voice in her head, and receives advice from him. She described their 34-year marriage as the foundation of her adult life, making his death from pancreatic cancer in 2009 all the more devastating. Niemi said the couple faced Swayze's illness 'head-on,' but she admitted she neglected her own wellbeing while caring for him, only finding small moments of respite. Since his passing, Niemi has found comfort in keeping Swayze's memory alive, surrounding herself with photographs and continuing to feel his presence.

  • Patrick Swayze died in September 2009 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
  • Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze were married for 34 years.
  • Niemi remarried in 2014, to jeweler Albert DePrisco.

The players

Lisa Niemi

The widow of actor Patrick Swayze, with whom she was married for 34 years until his death in 2009.

Patrick Swayze

The late actor known for his roles in films like 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost', who died of pancreatic cancer in 2009.

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What they’re saying

“I still feel him with me every day, and hear what he would say to me about certain things. It's great. I talk to him, I feel him. I hear his voice in my head. He gives me advice, and I am absolutely certain that he is there whenever I need him.”

— Lisa Niemi

“When the doctor left the room, he turned to me and said, 'I'm a dead man.' He knew something about pancreatic cancer... he knew that it was almost a death sentence.”

— Lisa Niemi

What’s next

Niemi continues to advocate for pancreatic cancer research and awareness through her work with organizations like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which hosts its annual PurpleStride event on May 25.

The takeaway

Niemi's story highlights the profound and lasting impact the loss of a spouse can have, as well as the ways in which some people seek to maintain a spiritual connection with their deceased loved ones. Her openness about this experience may provide comfort and insight for others navigating similar grief.