Simone Boseman Reflects on Chadwick Boseman’s Final Days: “We Thought He Would Be OK”
More than five years after the passing of Chadwick Boseman, his wife, Simone Ledward Boseman, is opening up about the private battle that stunned the world.
In a recent interview with Today, Simone shared that when Chadwick was first diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, neither of them believed death was a real possibility.
“We both felt very sure that he would make it through,” she said, describing their mindset at the time.
The diagnosis came quickly and unexpectedly. Simone recalled that Chadwick had only been feeling unwell for a matter of weeks before seeking medical attention, and she wasn’t initially aware of the severity of his condition.
Despite undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy, the Black Panther star remained committed to his work, continuing to film and promote projects while keeping his illness private.
Simone described a period of cautious optimism following treatment, when both believed the cancer could be overcome. Even as the disease progressed, conversations about the possibility of losing him were largely avoided.
“It was a beautiful year,” Simone continued. “To see how deeply and globally impactful that film was…I don’t have any words for it. He was so deserving of that success. [The fans] didn’t know that he had a clear scan, but we were celebrating that, too. It felt like we got another chance.”
Chadwick ultimately passed away in August 2020 at age 43, after his cancer advanced to stage 4. His death shocked fans worldwide, many of whom had no idea he had been fighting the disease for years. Simone said the grief hasn’t disappeared but it has changed.
Now, she is focused on preserving his legacy, not just as a cultural icon, but as a full human being who lived with purpose, resilience, and quiet strength.
