Cheryl Rae Tiegs, the iconic American model and fashion designer, found a deep and romantic connection in her second marriage to the late photographer Peter Beard.
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Tiegs and Beard were married from 1981 to 1983, a period that encapsulated the passionate highs and eventual challenges of their relationship. Despite the ultimate end of their marriage in divorce, Tiegs speaks fondly of Beard, expressing gratitude for the profound love they experienced.
“He was, I have to say, the most romantic love of my life. I fell deeply in love with him, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” shares Tiegs. “I had a love that most people don’t have. You can’t force it… I’ve always had a piece in my heart for Peter.”
Peter Beard, known for his roles as an artist, photographer, diarist, and writer, left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography. His work, spanning Africa, African animals, and integrated journals with his photographs, gained widespread recognition since the 1960s.
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Tragically, Peter Beard’s life took a sorrowful turn. Suffering from dementia and facing health challenges after a stroke, Beard went missing on March 31, 2020, from his Montauk, Long Island home. Despite exhaustive searches, he remained unfound.
On April 19, 2020, a hunter discovered Beard’s body in a densely wooded area in Camp Hero State Park in Montauk Point, New York, bringing an end to the weeks of uncertainty.
The confirmation of Beard’s passing brought a flood of memories for Cheryl Tiegs. “When I think about him now, I think of his smile and his laughter and the way he walked and the way he talked,” she reflects.
“I think he deeply loved me too, in his own way… Even though we got divorced and even though it was unpleasant at times, I’m eternally grateful that Peter Beard held out his hand and lifted me to a higher level in life.”
Cheryl Tiegs’ poignant recollections capture the complex beauty of a love that transcends time and circumstances, leaving an enduring impact on her heart and life.
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