John Prescott and beloved wife Pauline in final picture shared by family

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John Prescott’s final photo captures him smiling warmly alongside his wife, Pauline, during a birthday celebration. The former deputy prime minister has passed away at the age of 86, following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

In a statement announcing his death, his family described his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others, championing social justice, and protecting the environment. The photo, shared on his X account, shows Lord Prescott in high spirits as he beams next to Pauline, who is holding a birthday cake, reports the Mirror.

His wife, Pauline, and sons, Johnathan and David, reflected on his career and legacy in a heartfelt statement: “We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86,” they said. “He was surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.

“John spent his life striving to make a difference, from working as a waiter on cruise liners to becoming Britain’s longest-serving deputy prime minister. Representing the people of Hull in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour, and he dearly loved his home city.

“We would like to thank the incredible NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019, as well as the compassionate staff at the care home where he spent his final years.

“In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask those who wish to honour his memory to consider donating to Alzheimer’s Research UK. During this difficult time, we request privacy as we process our grief. Thank you.”

Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, John Prescott was the son of a railwayman. Leaving school at 15, he began his working life as a trainee chef before becoming a steward on Cunard Line ships, which sparked his passion for social equality and eventually led him into politics.

John and Pauline’s love story began at a bus stop in 1957 when he returned home to Chester from a trip to New Zealand. Recalling their first encounter in her autobiography Smile Though Your Heart is Breaking, Pauline wrote, “A voice at my elbow startled me: ‘Hi there, it’s Pauline, isn’t it?’ I turned to find myself face-to-face with John Prescott, who I only knew as my colleague Barbara’s ex-boyfriend.”

John fondly remembered their first date, saying: “I asked her if she’d like to go to the pictures, and she said yes. We were both on the rebound, so it was fortunate timing. I can’t remember the film, but I do remember she talked all the way through it, and I was a bit embarrassed.”

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