Dmitry Shepelev, the Russian television host and former husband of the late pop singer Zhanna Friske, recently opened up about the painful memories surrounding her illness and death. Appearing on the talk show hosted by Nadezhda Strelets, Shepelev shared his thoughts on why he made controversial decisions during the final days of Friske's life, particularly concerning their son, Platon.
Friske, who died on June 15, 2015, at the young age of 40 from glioblastoma, left behind significant memories and complex emotions for her loved ones. During the interview, Shepelev reflected on the gradual decline of Friske's health, which he first began to notice when their son was just two months old. Initially, they believed her persistent headaches and weakness were merely post-pregnancy symptoms.
"I realized Zhanna was sick when our son was two months old, and I knew I had to save her," Shepelev recounted, emphasizing the urgency he felt once the gravity of the situation became clear. The couple had ambitions of raising their son and jointly savoring life, but those plans shattered as Friske's condition worsened.
Describing the last moments they spent together, Shepelev described how he made the difficult decision to move their son away from the hospital environment. "I took the child away because I didn't want him to witness her death. There was no doubt the battle was lost. It’s a slow process, and it was evident by the little things," Shepelev stated. He explained how they said their goodbyes, moved to the seaside, and later received the devastating news about Friske's passing.
The sense of loss and grief was compounded by Shepelev's concern for his son. He wanted to shield Platon from the harsh realities of life and death. "I must protect him during such distressing moments, especially when it came to his mother. Her farewell was significant, and I believed she approved of my decision," he expressed, reflecting on the emotional weight of his choices.
Shepelev highlighted the sacrifices he made during Friske's illness, stating, "For me, these were the hardest two years of my life. I paused my career entirely to devote my time to her treatment and recovery efforts. I was convinced we could win. We were making plans for the future, and our son was growing." His commitment to Friske's care was unwavering, yet as reality set in, he was forced to confront the grim truth.
Zhanna Friske's illness and eventual death not only impacted her family but also stirred widespread public concern nationwide. A fundraising campaign, led by supporters, managed to gather approximately 70 million rubles for her treatment, illustrating the affection and respect she garnered as both an artist and friend. Despite their attempts, the relentless disease claimed her life, leaving behind heartache and memories.
Shepelev’s narrative reveals the delicate balance between facing personal tragedies and public perception. Many interpreted his silence and withdrawal from public life during those years as controversial, but he defended it by stating how he wished to protect Friske’s legacy. "I did not want to tarnish her name by engaging with endless scandals. She deserves to be remembered well," he asserted.
The loss still resonates deeply within Shepelev, as he navigates life as both father and public figure. Today, he shares his experiences, not just to recount sorrow, but to highlight the importance of compassion and remaining present for loved ones during their most vulnerable moments.
Reflecting on the trials of the past, he also mentioned entering new relationships nearly five years after Friske’s death. He found solace and companionship with Katya Tulupova, who shares similar experiences of loss. Together, they are raising their son, Platon, alongside Tulupova's daughter from previous relationships. "When I met Katya, I realized I wasn't alone, as she understood my pain and grief," he noted.
Zhanna Friske's legacy continues to influence those who cherished her, and the sensitivity surrounding her story remains potent for many. Dmitry Shepelev’s insights offer valuable lessons on love, loss, and the resilience required to move forward.