John Ritter’s Widow Amy Yasbeck Says She Still Talks to the Late Actor Every Day More Than 2 Decades After He Died

**John Ritter’s Legacy Lives On Through Heartfelt Reminiscences of His Widow Amy Yasbeck**

The memory of the beloved actor John Ritter continues to resonate with many, especially with his widow, Amy Yasbeck. In a recent conversation, Yasbeck, now 64, opened up about the ways in which she keeps the spirit of her late husband alive, more than two decades after his untimely passing in 2003. At that time, Ritter was just 54 years old.

In her interview with Page Six, Yasbeck shared that she maintains a daily connection with Ritter, saying, “I still talk to John. I check in all the time. … I talk to him every day.” These reflections highlight the enduring nature of their bond, which Yasbeck nurtures through conversation and memories.

The couple, who tied the knot in 1999, welcomed their son Noah into the world a year prior to their marriage. In addition, Ritter had three older children—sons Jason and Tyler, along with daughter Carly—from his previous marriage to Nancy Morgan. Yasbeck expressed that discussions with Ritter’s children often revolve around aspects of their father’s personality and humour. “When a new comic comes on the scene, or there’s physical comedy, we feel that Ritter is with us or beside us,” she noted. These shared moments bring a sense of togetherness and continuity amid loss.

Yasbeck took a moment to reflect on what she misses most about Ritter. Her most profound sense of longing stems from watching him in the role of a father. “That encompasses everything,” she stated, pointing to his humanity, comedic flair, and empathy. Moreover, she recalled that Ritter could not tolerate injustice, especially when it affected children: “It would piss [Ritter] off when children were treated unfairly,” she explained. Such sentiments encapsulate the values that defined him as a father and a man.

Tragically, John Ritter died on 11 September 2003 after collapsing on the set of his sitcom, *8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter*. The cause of death was identified as an aortic dissection, a medical emergency involving a tear in the aorta. Yasbeck has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness about this rare but serious condition. Just weeks following his death, she founded the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, which aims to educate the public about aortic health and its genetic components.

“The legacy is keeping his family alive,” Yasbeck remarked during the foundation’s 20th Anniversary Evening in 2023. She believes that Ritter had a strong conviction about familial connections, stating, “He thought everyone was connected and everyone is everyone’s family.” This philosophy has inspired her mission to protect their children and Ritter’s brother, reinforcing the importance of awareness regarding aortic health.

In a heartfelt expression of unity, Yasbeck revealed that she and Ritter’s children keep his memory thriving through a family group text. “All we do is send each other videos of physical comedy—people falling down, or having a bird poop on them, or something,” she shared. “We say, ‘John would’ve’ or ‘Dad would’ve loved this’.” The shared appreciation for humour, particularly physical comedy, serves as a poignant reminder of Ritter’s influence on their lives.

Through their collective efforts and daily reflections, Yasbeck and Ritter’s children illustrate the profound impact the actor had on their family dynamics. They navigate their grief while simultaneously celebrating his legacy, demonstrating that love and laughter can endure even in the absence of a beloved individual.

As Yasbeck continues to advocate for aortic health awareness and cherish her fond memories of Ritter, she underscores a universal truth: love transcends time and loss, providing a comforting presence in our everyday lives. The stories and connections nurtured by Yasbeck and their children embody a testament to John Ritter’s enduring legacy in the hearts of those who loved him.