Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono Pay Tribute to Cynthia Lennon
John Lennon's first wife died today at 75.
— -- Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono both paid tribute to Cynthia Lennon today.
Lennon, who was married the Beatles great John Lennon from 1962 to 1968, died today at her home in Spain. She was 75.
"The news of Cynthia’s passing is very sad. She was a lovely lady who I’ve known since our early days together in Liverpool," McCartney said in a statement to ABC News. "She was a good mother to Julian and will be missed by us all, but I will always have great memories of our times together."
Ono added, I’m very saddened by Cynthia’s death. She was a great person and a wonderful mother to Julian. She had such a strong zest for life and I felt proud how we two women stood firm in the Beatles family. Please join me in sending love and support to Julian at this very sad time."
The British native "passed away today at her home in Mallorca, Spain, following a short but brave battle with cancer," a representative told ABC News in a statement. "Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers. Please respect their privacy at this difficult time."
As stated in the announcement, Cynthia and John had one child together -- Julian, 51.
Cynthia met the legendary musician while the two were both studying at the Liverpool College of Art in the late 1950's. Lennon eventually married Yoko Ono in 1969 after the couple's split.
After Lennon was murdered in 1980, Cynthia and Ono both spoke to "60 Minutes" about the singer.
"He's made his mistakes, on the front pages of newspapers, all over the world," Cynthia Lennon said. "But he bared his soul for everybody else to see."
When asked what led to the famed split, Cynthia said, "I think we both changed. It was natural that we both change. But I did not want to go down the road John was going ... I had nothing to escape. I wasn't looking for anything else. I wasn't searching in my mind for new experiences on a mental state."
Cynthia Lennon was married three more times after the 1968 split, most recently being widowed in 2013 when her husband Noel Charles died.
She is survived by her son Julian, who posted an “In Loving Memory” video on YouTube that starts with the lyrics, “You gave your life for me. You gave your life for love.” The video is coupled with intimate pictures of the Lennon family from the 1960’s.