Taylor Simone Ledward gave a musical tribute to her late husband, actor Chadwick Boseman, this past Saturday night during the “Stand Up to Cancer” event.
Co-host Anthony Anderson introduced Boseman’s widow, saying, “Many of us were devastated to learn of Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing after he privately grappled with cancer for several years.”
“The world lost an incredible artist and a true hero,” he continued. “But before he was a public figure, he was a person like you or me — a son, a brother, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, husband.”
He went on to say: “Many of us are all too familiar with the fracture a dearly loved one’s passing leaves in the lives of those who love them. Here to perform a song about living with the reality of loss and finding a way forward is Chadwick’s wife, Simone.”
Ledward proceeded to give a vunerable and raw rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You,” the classic song written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal and recorded by Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Nora Jones, as well as others.
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In addition, the “Stand Up to Cancer” event boasted a number of celebrities — including Boseman’s MCU co-stars Danai Gurira, Chris Evans, Karen Gillan and Paul Rudd.
Reese Witherspoon along with husband Jim Toth were the executive producers of this year’s event, an annual fundraiser for cancer research and treatments.
When Boseman passed, a heartfelt Instagram post was shared, saying:
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“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.”
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. “