Mary Austin: The Unsung Woman Behind Freddie Mercury's Farewell

Who was Mary Austin?

Mary Austin was the long-time love of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury and his closest friend until his death in 1991. Despite never marrying, they remained committed to each other for over twenty years, sharing a deep and intimate bond.

After Mercury's death, Austin inherited half of his fortune and the bulk of his estate, including his London home, Garden Lodge. She became the executor of his will and has been instrumental in preserving his legacy, including the creation of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity dedicated to the fight against AIDS.

Mary Austin was born in Fulham, London, on March 6, 1951. She met Freddie Mercury in 1969 when he was working as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport while she was a student at the London College of Fashion.

In addition to her role in Mercury's life, Austin has had a successful career in her own right. She worked as an interior designer and has also released several books, including a memoir about her relationship with Mercury, "Mercury and Me."

Austin remains a private person and has rarely spoken publicly about her relationship with Mercury. However, she has said that she considers him to be the love of her life and that she will never forget him

Mary Austin

Mary Austin was the long-time love of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury and his closest friend until his death in 1991. She is a significant figure in Mercury's life and legacy, and her key aspects include:

• Long-time love
• Closest friend
• Heir to Mercury's estate
• Executor of Mercury's will
• Co-founder of the Mercury Phoenix Trust
• Interior designer
• Author
• Private person

Austin's relationship with Mercury was complex and multifaceted. They were lovers, friends, and confidants. Austin was the one person who knew Mercury best, and she was the one person he could always rely on. After Mercury's death, Austin inherited half of his fortune and the bulk of his estate. She has been instrumental in preserving his legacy, including the creation of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity dedicated to the fight against AIDS. Austin is a private person, but she has spoken out about her relationship with Mercury on a few occasions. She has said that she considers him to be the love of her life and that she will never forget him.

1. Long-time love

Mary Austin was the long-time love of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury. They were in a relationship for over twenty years, and they remained close friends until Mercury's death in 1991. Austin was the one person who knew Mercury best, and she was the one person he could always rely on. Their relationship was based on mutual love, respect, and admiration.

Austin's love for Mercury was evident in her unwavering support for him, both personally and professionally. She was always there for him, through thick and thin. She was his confidante, his muse, and his biggest fan. Mercury's love for Austin was equally evident. He wrote many songs about her, including the hit "Love of My Life." He also left her the bulk of his estate in his will.

The connection between "long-time love" and "Mary Austin" is significant because it highlights the power of love to endure through challenges and adversity. Austin and Mercury's relationship was not always easy, but they always worked through their problems together. Their love for each other was the foundation of their relationship, and it was the one thing that never wavered.

2. Closest friend

Mary Austin was not only the long-time love of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, but also his closest friend. Their friendship was built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and admiration. Austin was the one person who knew Mercury best, and she was the one person he could always count on.

• Confidante
  Austin was Mercury's confidante, the person he could share his deepest thoughts and feelings with. She was always there for him, through thick and thin. She supported his dreams and ambitions, and she was always there to lend a listening ear or offer a shoulder to cry on.
• Muse
  Austin was Mercury's muse, the inspiration for many of his songs. He wrote some of his most beautiful and heartfelt songs about her, including "Love of My Life." Austin's influence on Mercury's music is undeniable, and her presence can be felt in many of his most iconic songs.
• Biggest fan
  Austin was Mercury's biggest fan. She loved his music, and she was always there to support him at his concerts. She was his biggest cheerleader, and she was always there to celebrate his successes.
• Closest friend
  Above all else, Austin was Mercury's closest friend. They had a deep and abiding friendship that lasted for over twenty years. They were always there for each other, through good times and bad. Their friendship was a source of strength and support for both of them, and it was one of the most important things in their lives.

The connection between "closest friend" and "Mary Austin" is significant because it highlights the importance of friendship in our lives. Friends are the people who are there for us, no matter what. They are the ones who make us laugh, who make us think, and who make us feel loved. Mary Austin was all of these things to Freddie Mercury, and she was his closest friend.

3. Heir to Mercury's estate

Mary Austin inherited half of Freddie Mercury's fortune and the bulk of his estate, including his London home, Garden Lodge, upon his death in 1991. This inheritance made her one of the wealthiest women in the United Kingdom.

• Beneficiary of Mercury's will
  As the primary beneficiary of Mercury's will, Austin inherited a significant portion of his wealth, including his cash, investments, and real estate holdings. This inheritance gave her financial security and allowed her to live a comfortable lifestyle. However, it also came with the responsibility of managing Mercury's estate and legacy.
• Executor of Mercury's will
  In addition to inheriting a portion of Mercury's wealth, Austin was also named the executor of his will. This gave her the responsibility of carrying out his wishes and managing his estate according to his instructions. Austin has taken this responsibility seriously and has worked to preserve Mercury's legacy and support the causes that were important to him.
• Owner of Mercury's London home
  One of the most valuable assets that Austin inherited from Mercury was his London home, Garden Lodge. This was a place where Mercury lived and worked for many years, and it is now a museum dedicated to his life and music. Austin has opened the home to the public so that fans can learn more about Mercury and his work.
• Guardian of Mercury's legacy
  As the heir to Mercury's estate, Austin has become the guardian of his legacy. She has worked to preserve his music and his memory, and she has supported the creation of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity dedicated to the fight against AIDS. Austin's work has helped to ensure that Mercury's legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

Austin's inheritance of Mercury's estate has had a significant impact on her life. It has given her financial security and allowed her to pursue her own interests. However, it has also given her the responsibility of managing Mercury's legacy and supporting the causes that were important to him. Austin has taken this responsibility seriously, and she has worked to ensure that Mercury's memory will continue to live on.

4. Executor of Mercury's will

Mary Austin was appointed as the executor of Freddie Mercury's will following his death in 1991. This role entailed a significant level of responsibility and required her to manage his estate and carry out his final wishes.

• Administration of the estate
  As executor, Austin was responsible for administering Mercury's estate, which included managing his assets, paying his debts, and distributing his wealth according to his will. This involved working closely with accountants, lawyers, and other professionals to ensure that the estate was handled in a legal and orderly manner.
• Carrying out Mercury's wishes
  In addition to administering the estate, Austin was also responsible for carrying out Mercury's wishes as expressed in his will. This included overseeing the creation of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity dedicated to the fight against AIDS, and ensuring that his other bequests were honored.
• Preserving Mercury's legacy
  As the executor of Mercury's will, Austin played a key role in preserving his legacy. She worked to protect his music and image, and she oversaw the creation of the Mercury Museum in Montreux, Switzerland. Austin's efforts have helped to ensure that Mercury's music and his memory will continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Austin's role as the executor of Mercury's will was a complex and challenging one. However, she carried out her responsibilities with great care and dedication. Her work has helped to ensure that Mercury's legacy will continue to live on.

5. Co-founder of the Mercury Phoenix Trust

Mary Austin co-founded the Mercury Phoenix Trust in 1992, a year after Freddie Mercury's death. The charity was established to raise awareness and funds for the fight against AIDS, a disease that took Mercury's life. Austin's involvement in the Mercury Phoenix Trust is a testament to her commitment to supporting the causes that were important to Mercury, and to continuing his legacy of giving back to the community.

• Fundraising and awareness
  Austin has been instrumental in the Mercury Phoenix Trust's fundraising and awareness efforts. She has helped to organize numerous events, including concerts and auctions, to raise money for the charity. She has also spoken out about the importance of AIDS awareness and prevention, and has worked to destigmatize the disease.
• Supporting research and treatment
  The Mercury Phoenix Trust has funded research into AIDS prevention and treatment, and has provided support to people living with HIV/AIDS. Austin has been a strong advocate for increased funding for AIDS research, and has worked to ensure that the charity's resources are used effectively to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.
• Continuing Mercury's legacy
  Austin's work with the Mercury Phoenix Trust is a continuation of Mercury's own commitment to fighting AIDS. Mercury was a vocal advocate for AIDS awareness, and he donated generously to AIDS charities. After his death, Austin took up the mantle of continuing his work, and has helped to ensure that his legacy will live on.

Austin's involvement in the Mercury Phoenix Trust is a testament to her dedication to fighting AIDS and continuing Mercury's legacy. Her work has helped to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the disease, and has helped to raise awareness and funding for AIDS research and prevention.

6. Interior designer

Mary Austin's profession as an interior designer played a significant role in her life, shaping her personal style and contributing to her relationship with Freddie Mercury.

Austin's training and experience in interior design instilled in her an appreciation for aesthetics and a keen eye for detail. This was evident in her own home, which she decorated with a mix of vintage and modern furniture, creating a warm and inviting space. Austin's design sense also influenced Mercury's home, Garden Lodge, which she helped to decorate. Together, they created a unique and personal living environment that reflected their shared love of art and music.

In addition to her work as an interior designer, Austin also used her skills to support Mercury's career. She designed the stage sets for several of Queen's music videos and live performances, including the iconic video for "Bohemian Rhapsody." Her creative vision and attention to detail helped to create a visually stunning backdrop for Mercury's larger-than-life stage persona.

Austin's work as an interior designer not only shaped her personal life but also contributed to her enduring legacy. Her ability to create beautiful and functional spaces was a testament to her talent and creativity, and her collaborations with Mercury helped to create some of the most memorable moments in rock and roll history.

7. Author

Mary Austin's journey as an author provides a unique lens into her life and her relationship with Freddie Mercury. Her writings offer insights into her personal experiences, her creative process, and her enduring legacy.

• Memoir: Mercury and Me
  

  Austin's memoir, "Mercury and Me," is a deeply personal account of her life with Freddie Mercury. The book chronicles their first meeting, their early years together, and the challenges they faced as Mercury's career took off. Austin's writing is honest and revealing, providing a rare glimpse into the private life of one of rock's most iconic figures.

• Interior Design Book
  

  Austin's passion for interior design shines through in her book on the subject. The book features a collection of her design projects, showcasing her eclectic style and her ability to create beautiful and functional spaces. Austin's writing on interior design is both informative and inspiring, offering practical tips and insights into the creative process.

• Children's Book
  

  Austin has also written a children's book, "The Adventures of Freddie the Fox." The book tells the story of a young fox who dreams of becoming a rock star. Austin's writing for children is charming and engaging, and her love for Freddie Mercury is evident throughout the story.

• Essays and Articles
  

  Austin has also written numerous essays and articles on a variety of topics, including her life with Mercury, her work as an interior designer, and her thoughts on the music industry. Her writing is insightful and thought-provoking, and she offers a unique perspective on the world of rock and roll.

Austin's work as an author has not only allowed her to share her story with the world, but it has also helped to preserve the legacy of Freddie Mercury. Her writings offer a valuable glimpse into the life of one of the most beloved and influential musicians of all time.

8. Private person

Mary Austin has always been a private person, and she has fiercely guarded her privacy throughout her life. She has rarely spoken publicly about her relationship with Freddie Mercury, and she has never given an interview about her personal life. This privacy has allowed her to maintain a sense of normalcy and to avoid the intense scrutiny that often comes with being associated with a famous person.

Austin's privacy has also been important for her own well-being. She has been able to grieve Mercury's death in private, and she has been able to move on with her life without having to constantly relive her past. Her privacy has allowed her to heal and to find happiness again.

Austin's decision to remain a private person is a testament to her strength and independence. She has not allowed her relationship with Mercury to define her, and she has not sought out fame or attention. She has chosen to live a quiet and private life, and she has found contentment in her own company.

Austin's privacy is a reminder that we all have the right to control our own lives and to choose how we want to live. We do not have to conform to the expectations of others, and we do not have to live our lives in the public eye. We can choose to live private lives, and we can find happiness and fulfillment in our own way.

FAQs about Mary Austin

Mary Austin was the long-time love of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury and his closest friend until his death in 1991. She is a significant figure in Mercury's life and legacy, and there are many common questions and misconceptions about her.

Question 1: Was Mary Austin married to Freddie Mercury?

No, Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury were never married. They were in a long-term relationship for over twenty years, but they never officially tied the knot.

Question 2: What was Mary Austin's relationship with Freddie Mercury?

Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury had a complex and multifaceted relationship. They were lovers, friends, confidants, and creative partners. Austin was the one person who knew Mercury best, and she was the one person he could always rely on.

Question 3: Did Mary Austin inherit Freddie Mercury's wealth?

Yes, Mary Austin inherited half of Freddie Mercury's fortune and the bulk of his estate. This inheritance made her one of the wealthiest women in the United Kingdom.

Question 4: What is Mary Austin doing now?

Mary Austin is a private person, and she has rarely spoken publicly about her life since Freddie Mercury's death. She is believed to be living a quiet life in London.

Question 5: What is Mary Austin's legacy?

Mary Austin's legacy is intertwined with Freddie Mercury's legacy. She was the love of his life, his closest friend, and the heir to his estate. She has worked to preserve his memory and to continue his work in the fight against AIDS.

These are just a few of the most common questions about Mary Austin. She is a fascinating and complex figure, and her story is an inspiration to us all.

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Mary Austin is a remarkable woman who has lived a life full of love, loss, and triumph. Her story is a reminder that we all have the power to overcome adversity and to live our lives to the fullest.

Conclusion

Mary Austin was a remarkable woman who played a significant role in the life and legacy of Freddie Mercury. She was his long-time love, his closest friend, and the heir to his estate. Austin has worked tirelessly to preserve Mercury's memory and to continue his work in the fight against AIDS.

Austin's story is an inspiration to us all. It is a story of love, loss, and triumph. It is a story that reminds us that we all have the power to overcome adversity and to live our lives to the fullest.