The courageous wife of Robin Gibb, the renowned Bee Gees pop legend, has shared her thoughts for the first time regarding his incredible struggle for survival — following an episode where he seemed near death.
In an exclusive conversation, Dwina revealed that Robin, aged 62, flatly refused to surrender even after astonishing doctors by coming out of a nine-day coma.
She shared, “When the doctors asked Robin if he wanted them to do everything possible to preserve his life or if he believed there might come a time when enough was enough, he replied, ‘There will NEVER be a time when enough is enough. I want to live, no matter what.'”
Robin is battling colon cancer that has metastasized to his liver, coupled with a pneumonia diagnosis.
About two weeks ago, he slipped into a coma and was placed on a ventilator.
Despite the medical team’s expectations that the star might not recover, 59-year-old Dwina remained optimistic. Now, the veteran artist is awake in bed, conversing, and only requires an oxygen mask to breathe.
Recently, astonished doctors at the London Clinic commended his “iron will, indomitable fighting spirit, and remarkable physical endurance.”
Just two days after Robin fell into a coma, he was scheduled to perform at the world premiere of his classical piece, Titanic Requiem.
Dwina, along with their son Robin-John, affectionately known as RJ, put on a brave front and attended the London concert. The piece symbolized the culmination of 2½ years of collaboration between Robin and 28-year-old RJ, but the premiere night was a nightmare for the family in attendance.
Robin’s children from his previous marriage, Melissa, 37, and Spencer, 39, were also at the event.
Dwina expressed, “The day preceding the concert, it suddenly hit me that, rather than singing the beautiful piece Don’t Cry Alone that evening, Robin lay in a coma and could potentially pass away.
“I realized, ‘If he never wakes from the coma, I will never hear his voice again. For numerous nights throughout our relationship, I’ve woken to the sound of him composing on the keyboards in the adjacent room, singing like an angel.
“The thought of never hearing his beautiful voice again was unbearable.
“We had to face the fact that Robin wouldn’t be attending the premiere. However, we understood that the show must go on without him. I remained by his side in the hospital until the very last moment, as I truly didn’t want to leave him.
“While the audience at the concert erupted in applause, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Then I composed myself, reminding myself that Robin would survive. I am eternally grateful that RJ stood by my side throughout this ordeal.
“RJ ensured that the premiere was filmed — we all held a strong belief that one day Robin would get to see it.”
Dwina disclosed that former Prime Minister Tony Blair was among the last individuals to converse with Robin before he entered the coma.
She explained, “Tony, Robin’s dear friend, had intended to attend the Titanic Requiem premiere. However, at the last minute, he had to fly to Washington.”
Robin’s recovery from the coma is the latest in a series of comebacks demonstrating his resilience.
His battle with cancer began in 2010, but following chemotherapy, he was reported to be in remission. Then, this year, he faced another setback with a twisted colon.
Dwina stated, “It was the same condition that claimed the life of his twin brother Maurice in 2003. Robin experienced severe pain and was very frightened.
“I had to remain in the hospital by his side around the clock, sleeping on a camp bed.
“At one point, after receiving an intravenous drip, Robin reacted with an allergic response that turned him pink. I…
managed to call for the nurses, which led to his life being saved.
“Messages of love and support that were heartwarming arrived from across the globe.”
Another complication arose when doctors informed Dwina that Robin’s bowel had perforated. They had the option to operate — but the chances of survival were merely ten percent.
Dwina reflected: “He was in grave danger. There was a significant possibility he wouldn’t survive the administration of anaesthetic.
“I remarked, ‘If we sit here and refrain from allowing Robin to have the operation, he will be gone within the hour.’ RJ assured me, ‘Dad is going to pull through this. I’m certain of it.’
“They thereby commenced the operation, cautioning that he could pass away in 20 minutes.
“Those 20 minutes were the most agonizing of my existence.
“I sat praying. Then doctors entered and nodded. He had made it. They informed us that he would require a ventilator for three days — yet he was off it within hours.”
Shortly after surviving that surgery, Robin contracted pneumonia.
Dwina shared: “At that point, Robin’s brother Barry, his wife Linda, and their son Stephen traveled from the US. Their 93-year-old mother Barbara was too unwell to make the trip.
“Upon seeing Barry, Robin gave him the thumbs-up and expressed his love. After that, he slipped into a coma.”
While the family maintained a vigil by his bedside, Barry, 65, endeavored to connect with his brother through music.
Dwina stated: “Barry performed a song he had written for Robin. We played Bee Gees music for him — and every time we did, tears began to flow down his face.
“When playing his song I Started A Joke, he opened his mouth at the precise moment to sing. The doctors recognize that relatives of coma patients often look for hopeful indications. They told me it might simply be an automatic response.
“However, it seemed too coincidental that the only moment Robin opened his mouth was exactly when he would have begun to sing.
“We convinced them to permit us to test my hypothesis by attaching electrodes to Robin’s brain to observe his responses to the music.”
Incredibly, Robin awakened from his coma while the Titanic Requiem was playing.
Dwina recalled: “He suddenly opened his eyes and looked directly at me. Then he faced RJ and mouthed, ‘Hello, RJ’. Tears of joy filled my eyes.
“The nurses and doctors were astonished. Despite his voice being somewhat hoarse, it is nearly back to normal. He is communicating and smiling.”
Nonetheless, Dwina realizes that her husband has a long road ahead.
She expressed: “Each day must be approached as it comes. Robin has been gravely ill. Every visit to the hospital fills me with happiness to see him awake and speaking.”
Dwina, an artist and writer born in Ireland, met Robin when she was 28. Robin was part of the iconic Bee Gees alongside Maurice and Barry. She mentioned: “Robin viewed some of my artwork and commissioned further paintings.
“From the very beginning, I adored his sparkling eyes, his humor, his creativity — and the fact that he wasn’t driven by materialism.”
The couple married in 1985, opting for a quiet ceremony at a register office instead of a lavish showbiz event.
However, in the midst of the ceremony, they realized they had forgotten to purchase wedding rings.
Dwina recounted: “I had given Robin an Anglo-Saxon king’s ring, which he used, along with a traditional Irish ring. He presented me with a star ring featuring a diamond in the center, which I wore.”
Her voice faltered as she continued: “He has worn those rings daily since. However, after he fell into a coma, his fingers swelled so considerably that doctors had to remove them.”
Dwina expressed gratitude towards Robin’s devoted fans, who have provided support throughout his challenges.
Additionally, she stated: “I am immensely proud of my husband and all that he has accomplished. What an extraordinary life he has lived — to reach so many souls around the globe with his stunning voice. It’s a privilege to have shared my life with him.”
by Milo Johnson
