Chadwick Boseman had quietly married his longtime girlfriend Taylor Simone Ledward in the final months of his life, his family revealed in a statement.

Boseman’s family noted that the Black Panther actor had tied the knot before the 43-year-old passed away from colon cancer after a four-year battle.

“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side,” the statement said. “The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

Throughout his life,  Boseman was known to be notoriously private about his personal life and had been keeping his cancer diagnosis a secret. He and Ledward were first spotted together in 2015. She had just graduated from Cal Polytechnic University Pomona in 2014 where she majored in music industry studies.

She was the lead singer of the school jazz band. After years of dating the pair were reportedly engaged in October 2019. 

According to reports, both Boseman and Ledward’s family were supportive of the relationship. In a 2018 interview with Ledward’s grandmother, she shared, “They respect each other. She’s very happy, and he is, too.” 

Ledward’s sister had also gushed about her future brother-in-law on Instagram, “[Chadwick’s] real-life queen is gorgeous, and together they embody true love. Not to mention they would make some beautiful babies.”

Over the years the couple has been pictured at numerous Hollywood events and often sitting courtside at NBA games.

At the NAACP Image Awards in March 2019, they shared a rare moment of public affection when Boseman kissed Ledward before going on stage to accept the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.

He said in his acceptance speech, “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you.” she then mouthed back, “I love you.”