George Michael's Ex Tried to Save His Life When 'all Expected Him to Die' Yet Fought for His Estate Later

Cultural icon and singer-songwriter George Michael had significant success in his career, but his personal life had many dark chapters. He faced loss and pain and credited Kenny Goss with saving his life.

The "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" star found love with dress designer Anselmo Feleppa, but their romance wasn't meant to last. Feleppa passed away from an "AIDS-related illness" in 1993, leaving Michael heartbroken.

The musician was aware of his partner's health condition and went to therapy as soon as he heard the diagnosis. But the loss still shocked him, and it took him three years to heal his heart and move on.

MICHAEL FOUND LOVE AGAIN

George met Kenny Goss at a reputable Los Angeles spa, and the duo quickly hit it off. Michael shared: "We just got chatting, and I asked him out for dinner. I wasn't even sure if he was gay."

The singer was thrilled that he had found a potential love interest and believed life was looking up. Sadly, things took a turn for the worse when he phoned his mother. Michael told his mom about Goss, and during the same phone call, she revealed a shocking cancer diagnosis. He said:

"I didn't even get one day to feel happy about having met Kenny. I was back into the black hole ... There was a point when [dark days were] all I had. I just used to sleep and sleep."

Goss, an easy-going Texan from Dallas, worked as a flight attendant, cheerleader coach, and sports executive before becoming an art dealer and businessman.

He told his brother he was gay and revealed he was in a committed relationship with Michael. Goss never spoke to his parents about his sexuality and described it as "this big pink elephant in the center of every holiday."

Despite facing various challenges, Goss and Michael stayed together for 15 years. Michael stated they separated for two and a half years before splitting for good. However, Goss disagreed.

The businessman recalled asking Michael why he said they weren't together for the specified time, and the singer didn't have an answer. Goss explained:

"You know [Michael] had already started not being necessarily as present as we'd gotten used and his answer was just simply 'darling I don't know. I just did it.'"

During an interview in 2022, Goss described Michael as one of the most honest people he knew. He added: "You always got the truth from him."

The world-renowned musician lived an extraordinary life but was often shadowed by crippling fear. Michael shared that his biggest problem in life was worrying about losing someone else. He said:

"I fear Kenny's death far more than my own. I don't want to outlive him. I'd rather have a short life and not have to go through being torn apart again."

Amid worrying about his partner's safety and trying to quieten his fears, Michael experienced many joyful moments. He admitted that he was the happiest he had ever been with Goss by his side.

The duo spoke about fathering a child together, but the idea never materialized. The singer revealed that he knew he would be a great dad, but things were holding him back. He noted:

"I have dismissed it out of hand because I know that's not the way I want to go. I think I would be a good dad, but terribly neurotic. And I wouldn't be a very happy man if I had to make all those sacrifices."

Goss provided support for Michael when he needed it the most. The singer fought a nasty battle with depression, and he was always waiting for the next blow, struggling to stay optimistic. Thankfully, his partner didn't let him down.

GOSS SAVED MICHAEL'S LIFE

The musician was well aware of the significant impact Goss had in his life, specifically after the passing of his mother in 1997. Michael felt worthless and lacked the inspiration to write.

He knew that if Goss weren't around, his life would have been in danger because he wasn't in a good place mentally and emotionally. Michael recalled:

"I don't think I could have taken it really. I think I might have been one of those cowards who choose a nasty way out."

Goss was constantly worried about his partner and tried to spend as much time with him as possible. He also revealed that Michael chose him to please his mom. Goss shared:

"He had this view that his mother and I were very much alike and in a lot of ways we were. I would say I'm much more a guy that plays by rules and she was kind of the same way."

Goss stated that a psychiatrist encouraged him to stay with Michael, noting that he was the only reason the singer stayed alive. However, it wasn't meant to be, and the couple split. They eventually spoke about getting back together but never did.

A LEGAL BATTLE STARTED AFTER MICHAEL'S DEATH

After Michael's untimely passing in 2016, Goss was shattered. He wasn't romantically involved with the singer then, but they had spent a lifetime together. When asked about his reaction to the heartbreaking news, Goss said:

"We'd all expected him to die. I had spent so much when we lived together being worried about it honestly. You know he hated the fact that I worried about him so much."

Michael's cause of death was confirmed to be natural, and forensic analysts stated that heart failure and liver disease led to his demise.

When the famed singer's will was read, Goss and Michael's current boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, were omitted. Goss questioned his former partner's state of mind and claimed that the star had supported him for years.

However, Michael's family rejected his requests, and they vowed that Goss wouldn't get "a penny" of the musician's money. Goss continued to seek reasonable financial provisions under the Inheritance Act 1975.

After a lengthy court battle, trustees from Michael's estate reached a ruling. Goss won a share of the singer's millions, settling the dispute.

The couple shared many happy years, and Goss remained grateful for their time. He shared: "[Michael] always said that I saved his life. I think that's a bit much, but I really did try."