Tom Ford's Husband Richard Buckley Dies at Age 72

Tom Ford's husband, Richard Buckley, died at age 72 on Sunday, September 19, in Los Angeles, California. The 60-year-old designer confirmed the death of his beloved partner, who had been battling a disease for many years.

In a statement to the press, representatives on behalf of Ford said, "It is with great sadness that Tom Ford announces the death of his beloved husband 35 years ago, Richard Buckley. Richard passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night with Tom and his son Jack by his side. He died of natural causes after a prolonged illness."

The duo, who met in 1986 during a fashion show, exchanged rings in 2014, after 27 years of dating. Buckley closely followed the rise of Ford's career, from his promotion to the head of Gucci to the establishment of his own name brand.

Ford has described his first meeting with Buckley in interviews, saying, "a silver-haired guy was staring at me with piercing blue eyes." They started dating and four weeks after they met, Richard gave him the keys to his apartment. They've lived together ever since. 

Buckley was an acclaimed journalist and held stints in New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, Women's Wear Daily, and Mirabella.

Buckley leaves behind the couple's 8-year-old son, Alexander "Jack" John Buckley Ford.