Simone Ledward-Boseman, widow of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, is sharing heartfelt memories of their relationship, including the moment he proposed and their intimate wedding. Boseman, who died in August 2020 at age 43 after a private battle with colon cancer, married Simone shortly before his passing. Their love story, kept largely out of the public eye, is now being remembered through Simone’s candid reflections.
The Proposal
During an appearance on NBC’s Today show, Simone recalled how Chadwick proposed in 2019 after his cancer briefly went into remission. The couple enjoyed a quiet staycation when Boseman surprised her. “We were sitting in front of the fireplace… I’m feeling under the blanket for the remote and he was like, ‘Right here,’ and he puts the ring box in my hand,” she said. It was a tender moment that reflected Chadwick’s thoughtful nature and their deep bond.
Their Wedding
The couple tied the knot in 2020 in a small ceremony surrounded by close family. Simone described it as a celebration filled with love and gratitude. “Some of his family came in: his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and my mom and my sister and my niece and nephew. It was a celebration and a time that we needed to celebrate,” she shared. The wedding took place just months before Chadwick’s death, giving the family a chance to honor his life and love.
Support from Friends
Denzel Washington, Boseman’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star, revealed in 2020 that he had encouraged Chadwick to marry Simone. “I used to watch how she took care of him… I said, ‘Man, you need to put a ring on that finger.’ She loves that guy,” Washington recalled. His words underscored the devotion Simone showed during Chadwick’s illness.
Facing Cancer Together
Simone reflected on the couple’s optimism during Chadwick’s treatment. “We both felt very sure that he would make it through. It was gonna be a challenging moment, but something that he would come out on the other side of and be fine,” she said. Though the cancer returned, Chadwick continued working, starring in films and inspiring millions worldwide. Simone emphasized that his resilience was part of his legacy.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
Simone hopes fans remember Chadwick not just for his roles but for the way he lived. “What’s more important about Chad is the way that he lived. The fact that he wouldn’t let cancer get in the way of what he was here to do, let that be the lesson,” she said. Her words highlight the strength and purpose that defined Boseman’s life, both on and off screen.
