David Joseph Jr., the American husband of the late South African actress Connie Chiume, has released a poignant video tribute honoring his wife. The heartfelt message comes after Joseph, who married Chiume in Louisiana on August 26, 2021, was notably absent from both her memorial service and funeral, held at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.
Chiume, a beloved figure in the South African entertainment industry, passed away at Garden City Hospital following a brief illness. In his video, Joseph, who resides in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, reflects on their deep connection and the pain of her loss.
Joseph described Chiume as not only a wife but also a cherished friend and “angel.” He reminisced about their love story, which began in the early 1980s, and highlighted her significant role in his life. “Our love story that started in the early 1980s is one for the book, and the bond that we share was always unique but strong,” he shared. Joseph expressed his sorrow, saying, “I didn’t just lose a wife, I lost a friend and an angel.”
The video also reveals that Joseph had not physically seen Chiume since New Year’s before she returned to South Africa to begin filming. Despite this distance, Joseph emphasized his unwavering support and love for her.
Joseph’s niece, Keela Dominick, has spoken out about the situation, revealing that her uncle was excluded from the planning of Chiume’s memorial services and funeral. Dominick explained to IOL that Chiume’s daughter contacted Joseph only a few days before the services, and he was not involved in any arrangements. According to Dominick, Joseph and Chiume remained close until her passing, with regular communication despite the geographical distance. Joseph reportedly had a final FaceTime call with Chiume two days before her death, during which she communicated with difficulty.
Dominick provided IOL with photos showcasing Chiume and Joseph’s joyful moments, including their wedding and family gatherings. She noted that Joseph and Chiume had plans to move her foundation to the U.S. and were working on making the U.S. their permanent home. The couple had managed their relationship across continents, balancing Chiume’s career in Africa with their personal life.
In response to the situation, Dominick indicated that Joseph is considering legal action but prefers to resolve the matter amicably. “It breaks my heart to know that our family was excluded,” she said, reflecting on the couple’s happy moments and future plans.
The Chiume family spokesperson, Bonga Percy, declined to comment when contacted by IOL regarding the claims made by Joseph and his family. As the community continues to mourn Chiume’s passing, Joseph’s tribute underscores the profound impact she had on those who loved her, highlighting both the personal and professional legacy she leaves behind.
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