Robert Wagner Honors Natalie Wood on 44th Anniversary of Her Passing

Robert Wagner paid tribute to his late wife, Natalie Wood, on the 44th anniversary of her death, sharing heartfelt memories and reflections on social media. The actor, now 95 years old, posted a touching message on his official Instagram account on November 29, accompanied by a black-and-white photograph from the 1973 Academy Awards.

Wagner expressed his enduring love for Wood, who drowned on November 29, 1981, during a boat trip near California’s Catalina Island. She was just 43 at the time of her tragic passing. In his message, he wrote, “Thinking of Nat today. Her warmth, beauty, and love remain with us through our children and grandchildren. Forever missed, forever cherished. More than love.”

The couple had a complex relationship, marrying first in 1957, then reconciling and remarrying in 1972 after a brief divorce in 1962. Together, they had two daughters, Courtney Brooke Wagner and Natasha Gregson Wagner. After Wood’s death, Wagner adopted Gregson Wagner from her mother’s previous marriage. He is also the father of Katie Wagner from an earlier relationship.

Reflecting on the aftermath of Wood’s death, Wagner recounted the profound impact it had on his life. In his 2016 memoir, *I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood’s Legendary Actresses*, he described the overwhelming grief he felt, stating, “When Natalie died, I thought my life was over. Luckily, I had the help of a great many people who loved her and who loved me as well.”

Wagner highlighted the crucial role his children played in helping him cope with his loss. “I thought I would never get up, you know? My children helped me heal. And my friends were so supportive,” he shared. Over time, he managed to regain his footing, though he acknowledged it was a challenging period.

In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, Natasha Gregson Wagner, who was only 11 years old when her mother passed away, remarked on the lasting impact her mother has had on people even decades later. “It’s just unbelievable that there’s a relevancy to her all these years later,” she said. Natasha expressed pride in the connection people feel with her mother, suggesting that Wood’s legacy may have grown since her passing.

As a parent herself, Natasha finds that nurturing her daughter, Clover, now 13, has deepened her understanding of her mother. “It’s just really amazing for me to help Clover understand, help myself understand, and to turn my grief into something positive,” she explained.

Wagner’s tribute offers a glimpse into the enduring love and cherished memories shared by the couple, as well as the ongoing legacy of Natalie Wood in the hearts of her family and fans.