Al Pacino Shares a Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Diane Keaton

The legendary actor has at last broken his silence and opened his heart to honor the passing of his beloved co-star and former partner, whose death sent shockwaves through the industry just days ago.

From the romantic streets of Paris, where he is currently working on a film with famed director Luc Besson, Al Pacino released an emotional statement on October 16, 2025, that reveals the soul-deep bond he shared with Diane Keaton.

The actors, whose names are forever linked as Michael and Kay Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's iconic "The Godfather" saga, shared a connection that extended far beyond the silver screen.

Their chemistry was magnetic, their artistry unmatched, and their off-screen relationship added layers of depth to a bond that endured for decades.

Due to Pacino's hectic filming schedule, his response came a few days after Keaton's death on October 11. But when he finally spoke directly to an outlet, his words carried the weight of love, grief, and memory.

"I am deeply saddened by Diane Keaton’s passing. When I first heard the news, I was shaken. Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion influenced the direction of my life," the actor told Deadline.

Memories Flood Back with Heartbreaking Force

Although more than three decades had passed since their romantic involvement, Pacino admitted that the memories of her presence had never truly faded, adding:

"With her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving."

Additionally, he described her as someone who lived without reservations, who poured her energy into everything she touched. Her spirit was in every moment, every word, every performance.

A Guiding Star for Generations to Come

Pacino also remembered Diane Keaton as a champion for others, a relentless seeker of opportunities not just for herself but for those who followed behind her. Her work in front of the camera was never just a job; it was her art and the best way to show her emotions.

The actor believes that people will not just mourn her passing but also remember her for a long time. "She left a mark that cannot fade. She was unstoppable, resilient, and above all, deeply human. I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will," Pacino added.

Although this was the first time he spoke about her passing directly, a few days earlier, he had expressed something through a close friend. As previously reported, Pacino confessed the aching regret he carried for decades, a regret that has roared back in the wake of Keaton's passing.

The insider revealed, "Looking back, Al admits the love of his life was Diane," adding that Pacino always described her as "an amazing woman."

Missed Chances, Lingering Regrets

Despite a parade of lovers and a celebrated career, Pacino's heart never truly left Keaton. His friend said, "I know he will forever regret he didn't make his move when he had the chance."

Years after they parted ways, the Oscar-winning actor reportedly still believed in second chances, often murmuring, "If it's meant to be, it's never too late for a do-over." But time, as it cruelly does, ran out.

Pacino built a life surrounded by his children, whom he adores, and a bi-coastal existence split between New York and Los Angeles, where he bought a home to stay close to them. For years, he and Keaton lived just miles apart in Beverly Hills, but never spoke. The emotional distance? Immeasurable.

When asked why he never reached out to Keaton again, the friend said Pacino responded simply, "There's no need to talk with each other. We said everything that needed to be said at the time."

The Goodbye That Shattered Her

In her 2011 memoir, "Then Again," Keaton wrote with heartbreaking honesty about her breakup with Pacino. Their romance ended just as her beloved father was succumbing to brain cancer, a double loss that would haunt her for years.

Two months after her father's death, during a therapy session, Pacino laid bare the truth. Keaton recalled, "He never had any intention of marrying me." With those words, the dream crumbled.

The actress watched as he walked into the blazing California sun, never once turning back. That very day, he flew to the George Washington Bridge in New York. At Snedens Landing, Pacino was greeted not by Keaton, but by his loyal driver, Luke, and dog, Lucky.

Tokens of a Lost Love

All that remained from their years together were four deeply personal relics:

• Eight pink slips from the Shangri-La Hotel (1987) reading, "Call from Al."
• A page of sheet music for "All I Have to Do Is Dream" with "To Di" inscribed at the top and "Love Al" at the bottom.
• A birthday card, marked simply "Love Al."
• And most heartbreaking of all—a handwritten letter dated December 1989.

The letter partly read:

"Dear Di, I am feeling uncomfortably lonely more than I have in many, many moons. I don’t know why this is so. It's perhaps being in a foreign country and not being able to speak the language; you could say that’s one of the reasons. But mainly it's being away from you and what we have together."

He concluded:

"Thank you for your note. It helped me. My thoughts are with you, and I think about you often. Love, Al.”