Suzanne Somers’ Husband of 55 Years Stayed by Her Deathbed: Timeline of Their Relationship

• Beloved Hollywood icon Suzanne Somers, who sadly passed away yesterday, shared a beautiful love story with her devoted husband, Alan Hamel.
• Their relationship spanned over five decades.
• Earlier this year, the couple celebrated 55 years together.

Hollywood icon Suzanne Somers, who sadly passed away yesterday, was a beloved star in the entertainment industry. According to a statement made by her publicist on behalf of her family, Somers died peacefully in the early hours of October 15.

She was surrounded by her loved ones and spent her last moments in her dream home. Somers was well-known and revered for her illustrious career, which included lighting up her fans' television screens in the ever-popular late 70s classic "Three's Company." She was adored by many who followed her incredible profession and those who had the pleasure of knowing her personally.

One of the people who loved her dearly and stuck by her side throughout her life was her devoted and doting husband, Alan Hamel, who stayed with her every step of the way when her breast cancer returned and when she was on her deathbed. The couple shared a beautiful romantic timeline of 55 years before the "Step by Step" star died.

1969: It All Started on the Set of a Game Show

The year was 1969; Somers was working as one of the prize models for the game show "The Anniversary Game," while Hamel was the host. Although a romantic fire was immediately ignited between the two upon meeting each other, Somers faced some challenges before and after meeting Hamel.

Reportedly, the late blonde beauty had come from a childhood with an abusive and alcoholic father and fell pregnant by the time she turned 18. Although she married her baby's dad, the two went on to divorce, which rendered her a single teenage mother who struggled to make ends meet.

However, the strong mama bear said she drew strength from her close relationship with her beloved son, and she cited how she felt that her son was sent to her to keep her alive during a tough time when she was not coping well emotionally.

Hamel was also instrumental in helping Somers change her life for the better. From the moment the lovebirds went on their first date, Somers knew Hamel was the one for her:

"...It was so incredible. I've been with him ever since."

1977: The Happy Couple Purchase a Lavish French-Inspired Home Together

Eight years after their initial meeting and amazing first date, Somers and Hamel purchased a luxurious compound in sunny Palm Springs. The property, which they bought for $420,000, was built in 1928 and ended up listing for a whopping $14.5 million in 2017.

According to Somers, the fabulous estate has a romantic aura and vibe. As a lover of French styles, their Palm Springs compound is heavily embedded in French aesthetics. Of the house and its furnishings, Somers explained:

"Most everything in each room was brought over from France and Paris during all the many summers we lived there."

The sprawling compound is so vast that it can be accessed in three ways. One has the option to either enter via a golf cart, winding stairs, or via a funicular up the hill, a mode which Somers and Hamel were particularly fond of using after romantic dinner dates.

November 1977: Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel Commit to a Lifetime Together

Speaking of romantic dinner dates, on one of the couple's amorous dining nights out, Hamel popped the question. The two were at Somers' favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, which set the perfect ambiance and tone.

With lighting and a piano player setting the right mood, Hamel kissed Somers and asked her to marry him. Of the way the proposal happened, Somers explained that Hamel is not all that much into symbols and more keen on spontaneity, so the proposal wasn't planned (as also confirmed by Hamel).

Nonetheless, Somers thought it was beautifully done. Although around the time Hamel proposed, Somers found herself quite busy, professionally speaking, she was filled with immense excitement, as she could not wait to get married to him. Interestingly enough, Somers admitted that she hated her dress. She revealed,

"...it was just an awful dress. It didn't fit me right..."

Early 1980s: The Married Couple Go into Business Together

Having built an incredibly successful career as a revered legend in Tinseltown, the actress who disliked her wedding gown became very influential among people, particularly women. Her influence became something she and Hamel decided to capitalize on.

In addition to more than 500 products made in her name, including cosmetics, jewelry, best-selling books, and ready-made food, Somers developed "Suzanne's Kitchen," and she and Hamel created plans to franchise the first two outposts. Hamel also became Somers' manager concerning her acting career once they decided that her former manager was not making the deals they wanted for her.

From the bad and the good, the highs and the lows, the devoted couple remained by each other's sides throughout all of life's peaks and valleys until the day Somers passed away.

Early 1990s: Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel Embark on a New Career Endeavor Together

Like the food project they worked on together, Hamel and Somers also collaborated on a fitness and skincare empire. Before their business ventures together, Somers was fired by her network, and of her termination and going into business with Hamel, she said:

"That was the great thing about being fired. I would have never been able to do what I do now."

April 14, 1995: The Couple and Business Partners Become Grandparents

Years into their relationship, the business partners went on to become grandparents. They share a total of six grandchildren, and Somers described one of her favorite things about being a grandma to that many kids as getting the opportunity to fall in love more than once.

April 4, 2000: The Couple Receives Devastating News of Suzanne Somers' Cancer Diagnosis

In April 2000, the doting grandparents received the devastating news that Somers had breast cancer. Although she learned of her diagnosis during a routine mammogram, she kept the matter private for over a year. Of the excruciatingly anxious and tense situation that Somers and her husband endured when the doctor confirmed the news, Hamel divulged:

"It was like a black cloud descended. That day was the saddest day of my life."

January 2007: The Pair's Malibu Home Burned Down

Seven years after Somers' cancer diagnosis, she and Hamel faced another tragedy when their home was destroyed by a fire that broke out in Malibu. Their mansion was one of many multi-million dollar homes that was gutted and burned down to the ground. Though they lost a beautiful house, Somers stated that they took the tragedy as an opportunity to grow and rebuild.

2017: Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel Remain Steadfast and Solid

By the time the loved-up couple reached the late 2000s, their relationship remained solid and unwavering. In fact, the "Zuma Beach" talent disclosed how she and Hamel had never spent a night apart from each other, not even for a girls' or boys' night out.

2020: Suzanne Somers Endures a Hip Injury

When Somers was 74, she fractured her hip due to a bad fall. Hamel, whom Somers had never been apart from, was helping his wife down the stairs when he tripped, resulting in her injury. Upon going to a medical facility for X-rays, medical personnel informed Somers that she would need emergency spinal surgery.

November 2020: The Couple Celebrates 44 Years of Marriage Together

Somers and Hamel celebrated 44 years of marriage in November 2020. On her social media account, Somers shared some touching words about their beautiful relationship and accompanied her message with a video montage showing memories from both of their lives.

2023: Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel Mark 55 Years Spent Together

At the beginning of this year, months before she sadly passed away, Somers posted two side-by-side pictures of her and Hamel from the past and present. The post marked 55 years of the couple being together and was captioned:

"Still smiling 55 years later..."

Somers and Hamel had experienced a lot together during their 55 years.

From the bad and the good, the highs and the lows, the devoted couple remained by each other's sides throughout all of life's peaks and valleys until the day Somers passed away.