Lily Savage (aka Paul O’Grady) was laid to rest today in a private ceremony preceded by a public procession. The beloved drag queen’s final appearance was attended by fans and many of the dogs Lily helped place in loving homes.
Husband Andre Portasio held their beloved dog Conchita atop the horse-drawn hearse during the tearful cortege. Dogs from nearby Battersea Dogs Home formed a guard of honour at the chapel for the drag legend and animal rights icon.
Via BBC:
Fellow comic Julian Clary and actor Michael Cashman delivered readings.
Hundreds of mourners, and their pets, turned out in the village of Aldington to view the cortege and say farewell to the host of ITV’s For the Love of Dogs.
O’Grady’s daughter, Sharyn Mousley, entered with a young man holding the wig of Lily Savage – her father’s drag alter ego.
O’Grady was a lifelong lover of dogs. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) noted that his efforts had a measurable effect on rehoming rates for dogs in the UK.
O’Grady’s series For the Love of Dogs was very influential in opening hearts and minds about the importance of animal welfare.
Rest in peace, Lily, and thank you for all you did!
Image: YouTube / The Evening Standard
