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Raya Ellis, partner of author Elizabeth Gilbert, loses her battle with cancer

Author Elizabeth Gilbert has posted a touching tribute to her partner Raya Ellis (right) who passed away after battling cancer.

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Gilbert announced in 2016 that she was leaving her second husband José Nunes because she’d realised she was in love with her best friend.

The author had documented her love affair with her husband in her best selling book Eat, Pray, Love. The book was turned into a successful film starring Julia Roberts.

At the time Gilbert said she’d realised how much her relationship with Ellis meant to her when her Ellis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Today the author posted a tribute to Ellis via her Instagram page.

She was my love, my heart, my best friend, my teacher, my rebel, my angel, my protector, my challenger, my partner, my muse, my wizard, my surprise, my gift, my comet, my liberator, my rock star, my completely impossible non-cooperator, my otherworldly visitor, my spiritual portal, and my baby. I loved you so much, Rayya. Thank you for letting me walk with you right to the edge of the river. It has been the greatest honor of my life. I would tell you to rest in peace, but I know that you always found peace boring. May you rest in excitement. I will always love you.

The pair affirmed their relationship with a commitment ceremony last year. Just says ago the couple had posted a picture of them celebrating New Year together.

Eat, Pray, Love is not the only movie based on Gilbert’s writing. The movie Coyote Ugly is based on an article Gilbert wrote about her experiences of working in the NYC bar.

OIP Staff


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