It has been confirmed that Lady Cathy Ferguson, the beloved wife of the legendary former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 84.

Cathy Holding and Alex Ferguson’s love story began in 1964 while they were both working at a typewriter factory.

Their union was sealed in 1966, and together, they built a life that included three children and the joy of 12 grandchildren. Their enduring marriage spanned an impressive 57 years.

The news of Lady Cathy’s passing was shared by the Ferguson family through a statement released on Friday, October 5.

The statement read, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, renowned for his remarkable tenure as Manchester United’s manager, often credited Cathy as his “bedrock.”

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He expressed his profound appreciation for her unwavering support upon retiring in 2013 after 27 years at the helm of the football club, stating, “My wife Cathy has been the cornerstone of my career, providing both stability and encouragement. Words cannot adequately express what her support has meant to me.”

Ferguson further described Cathy as the only person in the world to whom he never answered back.

In a touching anecdote, Lady Ferguson once revealed her initial impression of the man who would go on to become one of British football’s most successful managers.

When they first met, he bore a plaster on his face due to a football injury, leading her to fear that he was a “thug.”

She also fondly recalled their first date, a trip to the cinema, and a gift of a box of licorice allsorts, of which he consumed the entire contents.

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“That was my romantic day,” she shared in the 2021 documentary “Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In,” directed by their son Jason. “We got married in Glasgow registry office in 1966, and that was the beginning. I went to my work, and he went to his football.”

Manchester United also paid tribute to Lady Cathy Ferguson, stating, “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family… Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”