She and her son, who has said he felt abandoned by his father when he was young, remained close. She published her memoirs, A Twist of Lennon, in 1978, which told the story of their marriage, and a Lennon biography, John, in 2005, which detailed John's relationship with Julian after the divorce and Julian's story after John was assassinated on Dec. Cynthia and John divorced in 1968.Ĭynthia went on to marry and divorce or partner with four other men. Five years later, Lennon left her for Yoko Ono, after she discovered them together in her own home. Soon after, full-on Beatlemania swept the UK and Europe and the secret came out.Ĭynthia did not have an easy time being a first Beatle wife: Both she and his biographers have described him as controlling and short-tempered. Please join me in sending love and support to Julian at this very sad time.'Īlthough then unknown outside Liverpool, the Beatles had a fanatical following in their home town and their manager Brian Epstein wanted the marriage and baby kept secret. She had such a strong zest for life and I felt proud how we two women stood firm in the Beatles family. 'She was a great person and a wonderful mother to Julian. 'I'm very saddened by Cynthia's death,' Ono said in her message. Yoko Ono, Lennon's second wife, posted a tweet that let to her website with a tribute under a picture with Cynthia and their two sons in happier days. The lyrics on the memorial webpage begin, 'You gave your life for me, you gave your life for love.' Julian also posted a musical tribute to his mother, who was married to John Lennon from 1962 to 1968.

Please respect their privacy at this difficult time,' the message on the website read. 'The family are thankful for your prayers. Julian, 51, was with her at her bedside at the time. His message said she died at her home in Mallorca, Spain, following a short battle with cancer. Julian Lennon, her musician son with John Lennon, announced the news on Twitter and a memorial webpage. Cynthia Lennon, the late John Lennon's first wife, whose existence was once largely hidden from early Beatles fans, has died.

John lennon and cynthia