Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi shared a love story that many only dream of. Their marriage was a testament to true love and companionship until Swayze tragically passed away from cancer in September 2009. Now, Niemi is sharing her new love story.
Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze posing for a portrait circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Since Patrick Swayze’s death, Lisa Niemi has been navigating a world without her beloved husband. Years have passed, and Niemi has found love and happiness once more in the arms of a new man.
Albert DePrisco and Lisa Niemi at at a book signing event at DePrisco Jewelers in Wellesley on November 30, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Yet, despite so much time having passed and her newfound happiness, this has not diminished the disdain from fans who have berated her for moving on after Swayze’s death.
As Niemi navigated this transition, she encountered criticism from Swayze’s fans. She shared: “There are some pretty rabid Patrick fans who think I’m evil.”
These fans, fiercely loyal to Swayze, struggled to accept Niemi’s new life chapter. Yet, Niemi learned to cope with the criticism, understanding that her journey of love and loss was hers alone to travel.
Lisa Niemi on “Good Morning America” on January 12, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Niemi’s journey to finding love again was not without its internal struggles. She recalled a story of another woman who remarried just six months after her husband had passed, a notion that initially shocked her. She admitted she thought, “How could you do that?”
Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze during the during the 1994 World Music Awards on May 4, 1994 in Monte Carlo, Monaco | Source: Getty Images
However, as time passed, she came to admire the woman’s ability to move forward, saying she ended up thinking, “You go girl!” in admiration of her courage.
A friend’s advice that life was too short to not look for love and too long to spend alone resonated deeply with her, marking the beginning of her path to healing and opening her heart again.
As she opened her mind to new beginnings, Niemi found solace and companionship with Albert DePrisco, a man who had himself experienced heartbreak through a painful divorce.
Their meeting, orchestrated by mutual friends who had known them both for over 30 years, came at a time when both were ready to welcome love back into their lives. Niemi shared, “If we had met before then, it wouldn’t have happened, but after three years, we were about ready.”
Niemi admitted to not realizing the depth of her loneliness until she met DePrisco. She joked, “I’m a buck-up kind of girl. I can take it.” She thought it was grief she was navigating, not loneliness. However, together, she and DePrisco found happiness and a sense of completeness.
Niemi shared that even though she is now with DePrisco, she feels Swayze’s presence daily and maintains a spiritual relationship with him. She gushed, “Every day he’s with me and I feel him there.”
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi backstage after Swayze received the Independent Career Achievement Award at the Video Software Dealers Association’s award show at the Bellagio July 27, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada
The decision to marry again was not one Niemi took lightly. She was initially hesitant about the idea of remarrying, burdened by the weight of her past and the love she still held for Swayze.
However, a dream about Swayze, in which he embraced her and conveyed his approval for her to marry DePrisco, provided Niemi with the peace and blessing she needed to move forward.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at the 61st Annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1989 in Los Angeles California | Source: Getty Images
Niemi explained that each time she dreamed of Swayze, he did not speak, but she knew what he was trying to say. In this dream, he embraced her and she knew he was telling her that marrying DePrisco did not negate the relationship they shared.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at Planet Hollywood on April 10, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
She disclosed, “I can’t remember exactly, but he was letting me know it didn’t change how we felt about each other.” This moment was pivotal, allowing Niemi to embrace her future with DePrisco without feeling as though she was betraying the love she and Swayze shared.
Reflecting on her relationship with Swayze, Niemi reminisced about their early days. They had contrasting reputations—hers as a “bad girl” and his as a “Casanova”— and they were “meant to stay away from each other.” Yet there was an undeniable connection that suggested they would embark on a big adventure together.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at the attend the after party of Guys And Dolls at the Floridita on August 7, 2006 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Meeting at sixteen, Niemi could not have predicted their enduring relationship, which would evolve into a long-term marriage filled with love, collaboration, and mutual respect.
As the 35th anniversary of “Dirty Dancing” approached in 2022, Niemi spoke about the lasting impact of Swayze’s role as Johnny Castle and the movie’s enduring legacy.
Patrick Swayze at the attends an in-store promotional event where he signed copies of the soundtrack to ‘Dirty Dancing’, at a record store in Los Angeles, California, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
She shared insights into Swayze’s thoughts on the film’s success and his reluctance to star in a sequel, highlighting his commitment to integrity and quality in his work.
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey on the set of “Dirty Dancing” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
She said he felt that where they had left the movie was perfect. Niemi expressed her hopes for the upcoming sequel to honor the original while finding its unique voice and inspiration.
Swayze’s zest for life and passion for his craft left an indelible mark on Niemi and the world. From iconic film moments to personal memories of their time together, Niemi cherishes every aspect of their shared life.
Despite his death occurring many years ago, Swayze remains a constant presence in Niemi’s heart, a testament to the depth of their connection.
Lisa Niemi Swayze at the Stand Up to Cancer press event at the 2014 AACR Annual Meeting on April 7, 2014 in San Diego, California | Source: Getty Images
Niemi’s commitment to Swayze’s legacy extends beyond her personal memories, as she continues to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in his honor.
Her involvement in the fight against pancreatic cancer is driven by a desire to continue Swayze’s battle and to offer hope to others facing this devastating disease.
Through early detection and research, Niemi aims to make a difference in the lives of those affected by pancreatic cancer, honoring Swayze’s memory by fighting for a cause that was close to both their hearts.
Niemi shared that although she didn’t think there was anything that she didn’t miss about Swayze, she was grateful for the life they lived together and the marriage they shared.
Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze at the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As Niemi embraces her new chapter with DePrisco, she carries forward the love and lessons learned from her life with Swayze and often celebrates the life they lived together. She even shared a rare photo of him, his mother, and herself on her Instagram page, as previously reported.
Niemi paid tribute to her late mother-in-law on what would’ve been her 94th birthday. The widow took to her Instagram to post an endearing black-and-white image that showed Patsy Swayze dancing with her and her son.
Patrick and Patsy Swayze with Lisa Niemi on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Niemi’s heartwarming caption spoke about Patsy’s powerful impact on her dance students and mentioned how people recognized Swayze because he was Patsy’s son. She also highlighted how proud the dance teacher was to be the “Dirty Dancing” star’s mother.
The public praised Niemi for the picture she shared and took notice of the striking resemblance between Swayze and his mom. One fan gushed, “This is a great photo 🥰🥹 thanks for sharing. He was so like his mam!”
Patsy Swayze poses for a portrait holding a headshot of her son, Patrick Swayze in circa 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, another fan said, “Lisa, it is so special to share with us and keep them in the present with your memories xo.” Someone else expressed, “Thank you for continuing to share Patrick’s memory with us ❤️.”
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at the Society of Singers’ 2nd Ella Awards ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, 3rd December 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Last year, Niemi opened up about her late husband’s legacy and life in an interview. Of Swayze, who sadly died from pancreatic cancer, Niemi disclosed, “He did not want to become the poster boy for cancer [..] He had such a huge, full life and so many things that he did. But he had such a huge heart. We were married for 34 years.”
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at the premiere party for the movie ‘Skatetown USA’ at Flippers roller rink, Los Angeles, California, October 1979 | Source: Getty Images
Niemi also discussed how hard Swayze fought his illness and how she felt having to witness him going through an incredibly challenging time. On this, she shared, “He really was a hero. I saw the man I knew he always wanted to be, which was courageous, truly courageous, humble, loving, determined, strong.
Lisa Niemi and her beloved jeweler spouse, whom she met through mutual friends, tied the knot in 2014 and will soon celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
