Despite being left out in the cold in the planning and funeral arrangements for legendary actress Connie Chiume, her American husband David Joseph Jr, has issued a heartfelt video paying tribute to his wife.
Joseph, who married the actress in Louisiana in the US on August 26, 2021, did not attend Chiume’s memorial ceremony or her funeral at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.
The 72-year-old actress died at the Garden City Hospital after a short illness.
In his video, Joseph who is based in Donaldsonville, Louisiana shares that he intends to “uplift and support everyone with the loss”.
“I didn't just lose a wife, I lost a friend and an angel. Connie has many talents, I believe one of the biggest was preventing me from missing my flight to and from Africa in relocation to the United States.
“Our love story that started in the early 1980s is one for the book and the bond that we share was always unique but strong. It didn't matter where my wife was in the world, she knew that Joe would be there and like many of you, I’m broken.
“I will find comfort and peace in knowing that my wife loved me and lived love every day. My sweet Connie, I want you to know that I want to be with you today but know that Joe will keep you, your joy and laugh, forever in his heart. Rest on my baby.”
Joseph last saw Chiume physically on New Years before she had to returned to South Africa to begin filming.
His niece Keela Dominick told IOL that her uncle was not allowed to take part in the planning of her memorial services or funeral.
“The daughter reached out to my uncle this past Monday to inform him of the services planned for this week. He was not included in the planning of the services.”
Dominick revealed that the South African actress and Joseph were on good terms with each other up until her passing, with a FaceTime call taking place two days before her death.
“He attempted for weeks to get the status of her condition. My uncle saw my aunt Connie in the hospital through FaceTime two days before her demise.
“She painfully mumbled words to him. My understanding is that the children were present.”
Dominick shared with IOL pictures of happy moments between Chiume and Joseph such as their wedding day, spa dates and family time, along with a marriage certificate.
IOL reached out to the Chiume family spokesperson Bonga Percy for comment regarding Joseph and his family's claims. The family responded with “no comment”.
Dominick added that Chiume and Joseph communicated daily in spite of the actress’ hectic schedule and the marriage functioned on both continents.
In 2022, an IOL reporter saw Joseph accompany Chiume to the Netflix Bridgerton Affair event at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton.
“My uncle David and aunt Connie were planning to move her foundation to the United States as they were happily married even though her career required frequent national travel.
“It breaks my heart to know that our family was excluded because she spent so many holidays, and family moments with us that meant a lot.
“She was in the process of selling her home in Johannesburg in order to permanently make the US her home.
“Her career was headquartered in Africa and they were happily married and both visited one another in order to keep the marriage healthy and thriving.”
Dominick added that Joseph does plan to take legal action if necessary but would rather have the matter resolved in a ‘civil’ manner.
IOL Entertainment