Singer George Michael (left) and Kenny Goss arrive at the VIP preview screening of “A Different Story”, a documentary based on George Michael’s life, at the Curzon Mayfair on December 5, 2005 in London, England. (Getty)
The American art dealer Kenny Goss was one of the most significant relationships in George Michael’s life.
Michael spent 13 years with the Texan, the longest of any of his partnerships. He is considered one of the legendary singer’s few great loves.
George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016. His publicist says the 53-year-old pop icon was found dead of heart failure after passing away peacefully in his bed.
After Michael died, Goss expressed his love for the singer.
In a moving interview in 2004 with GQ, Michael said of Goss: “My biggest problem in life is fear of more loss. I fear Kenny’s death far more than my own. I don’t want to outlive him. I’d rather have a short life and not have to go through being torn apart again.”
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Goss Is an Art Dealer Who Got His Start Selling Cheerleading Supplies
In 2005, The Dallas Morning News ran a lengthy profile of Goss after he opened an “avante-garde” art gallery. The newspaper described Goss as a “Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother at the University of North Texas,” who entered a “cheerleading supply business when he was 23 and became one of the most successful salesmen in the company’s history, as in millionaire successful.”
In college, he was a cheerleader and “fraternity brother” who dated Miss Texas, said the newspaper, adding that Goss came from a dysfunctional family that did not know he was gay for years. He met George Michael in a line at Fred Segal’s restaurant in Los Angeles, said the newspaper.
The newspaper said that Goss and Michael owned a condominimum together in Texas. In a story on Michael’s death, the newspaper said that Goss continued to run a foundation in his and Michael’s names.
2. Michael Met Goss While Recovering From the Death of a Lover Who Died of AIDS
Michael gave an interview to Oprah Winfrey, in which he discussed his relationship with Goss as Goss watched from the audience (see above). His relationship with Goss started just a few years after Michael lost a great love of his life, the Brazilian fashion designer Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS.
Michael was open about how Feleppa’s 1993 death plunged him into a deep depression.
In 2007, Michael said that he had three loves in his life.
The Daily Beast wrote that Goss helped him deal with his pain. “If he hadn’t been around, I think my life would have been in danger, in terms of me. After Mum’s death in 1997, when I couldn’t write and I felt really worthless, I don’t think I could have taken it really. I think I might have been one of those cowards who choose a nasty way out,” he told GQ in an interview.
3. Goss Said He Is ‘Heartbroken’ That Michael Died
Kenny Goss and George Michael in 2005. (Getty)
Goss gave a statement to Eonline describing himself as heartbroken over Michael’s death.
“I’m heartbroken with the news that my dear friend and long time love George Michael has passed,” he told the entertainment site. “He was a major part of my life and I loved him very, very much. He was an extremely kind and generous man. The beautiful memories and music he brought to the world will always be an important part of my life and those who also loved and admired him.”
4. Goss & Michael Had an Open Relationship
British pop star George Michael and his partner Kenny Goss attend the Japanese Premiere of his film “A Different Story” on December 15, 2005 in Tokyo, Japan. The fim will open on December 23 in Japan. (Getty)
In 2011, The Huffington Post reported that Goss and Michael had an “open relationship.”
To GQ, George Michael discussed his relationship with Goss and monogamy.
“Some gay men manage monogamy forever, and I envy them because it’s a great thing,” he told GQ. “But when you first meet someone, that chemical flows through your body and says ‘f-ck, f-ck, f-ck!’ it’s wondrous. If you can keep hold of that, great. But for me to experience that again in a relationship, I’d have to split with Kenny.”
He told GQ that the pair considered having a child but, “I have dismissed it out of hand because I know that’s not the way I want to go. I think I would be a good dad, but terribly neurotic.” GQ said, “So it’s just George and Kenny, and the occasional lover or two who drifts in and out of their beds but is never allowed to encroach on their life together. It works for them.”
I HAVE NEVER AND WILL NEVER APOLOGISE FOR MY SEX LIFE ! GAY SEX IS NATURAL, GAY SEX IS GOOD! NOT EVERYBODY DOES IT, BUT…..HA HA!
The two split in 2009, but they had rekindled their friendship in the weeks before Michael died, the Sun claimed.
Friends said that Goss helped stabilize Michael, who plunged again into depression after they broke up, according to The Sun.
5. Michael’s Body Was Discovered by His Current Partner
Condolences to @fadifawaz and the loss of his partner George Michael. We were fortunate to know his art. You were fortunate to know the man.
At the time of his death, Michael was dating the Australian-born hairstylist and freelance photographer, Fadi Fawaz. Fawaz and Michael had been dating since at least 2012, when they were photographed walking together on European streets, including holding hands.
ITs a xmas i will never forget finding your partner dead peacefully in bed first thing in the morning.. I will never stop missing you xx
Fawaz tweeted that he had found Michael’s body on Christmas Day. He switched his profile picture to one of himself with Michael (above).