Newly engaged, reggae artiste Nesbeth is happy to have found the strength to overcome his grief following the death of his wife eight years ago.
Annmarie Elliot-Nesbeth died in 2016 from health complications due to cancer and the singer-songwriter fell into a deep depression and was unsure of what to do with himself.
“Losing my first wife was one of the hardest journeys of my life. Her passing left a void that seemed impossible to fill. And, for a long time, I was consumed by grief,” the My Dream singer told The Gleaner.
Having popped the question to his partner, Tasha Manley, an attorney-at-law, he shared that he couldn’t be happier.
“When Tasha came into my life, she brought a sense of understanding, compassion, and a genuine connection that I hadn’t felt in a long time. She didn’t try to replace what I lost; instead, she became a partner who helped me see the beauty in moving forward, while cherishing the past,” Nesbeth said.
Tasha and Nesbeth got engaged in late November, with Nesbeth asking her to be his wife on his special lady’s birthday during a romantic dinner on the beach.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I genuinely believe that you deserve this engagement ring on your birthday. I’m overjoyed that you said yes! Together, we’ll work to bring out the best in each other,” Nesbeth wrote in an Instagram post.
The singer explained he and his fiancée have been together for over three years and have taken the time to know each other.
“The feeling of assurance and love that we had over the years remains the same, and I am looking forward to strengthening our bond and building a wonderful future together … . Our engagement is just an affirmation of our commitment to each other,” he said.
As happy and excited as the newly engaged couple is, getting married can be a nerve-racking experience in any relationship. Nesbeth, however, isn’t too worried as the decision was a “personal and spiritual” decision for him.
“Tasha is not just my partner; she’s my friend, my confidante, and someone who truly understands my purpose and values. As an artiste, I’ve always believed in living with integrity and staying true to what matters most – family, love, and unity,” he told The Gleaner.
As the two get ready for the next step ahead, Nesbeth reflected on what got him to his point.
“What truly helped me heal was honouring her [Annmarie’s] memory by continuing to live a life of purpose, standing by my children and pouring love into them, my family, and humanity in general. I realised that she would want me to find happiness again, to love and be loved,” he said.
“Remarrying isn’t about forgetting; it’s about embracing a new chapter while carrying the lessons, love, and memories of the previous one in your heart,” Nesbeth continued poetically.