More than two years have passed since the legendary Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees tragically died at the age of 62, succumbing to kidney failure after a relentless battle with cancer. Yet, in the grand 13th-century mansion nestled in Thame, Oxfordshire, shared by Robin and his wife Dwina, time seems to have frozen in a haunting stillness.
The sprawling home remains saturated with memories. Silver-framed photographs of Robin with his brothers — Maurice, his twin who died at 53 from a heart attack in 2003, and Barry, the sole surviving Bee Gee, alongside images of the youngest sibling Andy, who tragically passed away at 30 — fill the rooms. The walls boast gold and silver discs celebrating their monumental sales of over 200 million records, evidence of a phenomenal legacy.
Among these relics, a full suit of armour and a bust of Winston Churchill, one of Robin’s heroes, stand silently as witnesses. Dwina, with a soft yet resolute voice, insists, “There’s no need to change anything. Why would I? I want to feel Robin is still around. What’s the point of making changes?” Her devotion to preserving Robin’s presence is deeply profound, emphasizing the sanctity of keeping memories alive through photographs and memorabilia.
The deeply personal words from Dwina unravel a poignant tale of loss, grief, and resilience: “After Robin died, we saturated ourselves with him — watching videos, films, everything that featured him… His is an amazing legacy.” Yet from the shadows of sorrow, a ray of light emerged: the birth of baby Maxwell-Robin Gibb, son of Robin and Dwina’s son Robin-John (RJ) and his partner Megan. Celebrated on his first birthday, Maxwell has sparked renewed joy in the once somber house.
Dwina reveals the emotional void left by Robin, “All the wit and humour, love and music, and the eccentricity of Robin had suddenly gone. There was a void.” The arrival of Maxwell, just 14 months after Robin’s passing, breathed life back into the mansion’s dark corners. “Suddenly you have to pull yourself together because there’s a new life there — a new beginning.” She embodies the role of grandmother with heartfelt pride, despite recognizing the bittersweet truth that Robin would never meet his grandchild.
Her reflections on Robin’s vibrant presence at night — the late hours filled with music, piano melodies, and his angelic voice composing songs — paint an intimate picture of a genius at work and the companion she deeply misses. She describes Robin as a blend of genius and madness, a comedian, and a musical legend with an infectious creative spark.
Amidst memories, Dwina also confronts the turbulent reality of their marriage. She candidly discusses the revelation of Robin’s eight-year affair with their housekeeper Claire Yang, which resulted in a daughter, Snow. Remarkably, Dwina chose an extraordinary path of acceptance over jealousy: “I’ve never been a jealous person… People who are creative are often very different, I think… We always had that in our marriage, but we knew we both deeply loved each other.” Her words challenge conventional views of love and loyalty, sparking curiosity about the true nature of their bond.
This unconventional attitude aligns with their shared spirit of freedom—something Robin and Dwina both strongly valued. They were united not just by love, but by a commitment to individuality and acceptance beyond traditional boundaries.
Dwina’s creativity continues beyond her role as a widow and grandmother. Immersed in her art and writing, she recently completed her first play, a farce entitled Last Confessions Of A Scallywag, inspired by her own family and imbued with wit and wisdom. She fondly recalls how Robin adored slapstick comedy, impersonations, and was influenced by legends like Chaplin, Groucho Marx, and The Goons.
The legacy Robin left is vast — not only through his immortal music but through his 26 million-pound estate, which ensures the well-being of his children, including Snow. Dwina maintains dignity and grace amidst heartbreak, emphasizing that all involved have been provided for.
Her interview unfolds with raw honesty, touching on profound grief for Robin’s mother, Barbara, who has now lost three sons. “You don’t expect to outlive your children like that. It must be horrendous.” She also acknowledges the special bond between the Bee Gee brothers despite occasional friction.
A future book awaits, penned by Dwina, sharing the story of the wonderful man Robin was—artist, composer, and a man whose voice and songs will outlive time. As we glimpse into the echoes of a life filled with love, music, secrecy, and untold complexity, one thing is clear: Robin Gibb’s spirit remains alive in every corner of that Oxfordshire mansion, in every note of his melodies, and in the unfailing dedication of the woman who stood beside him through every truth and every storm.