Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has opened up about the life-saving role his wife, Anita Dobson, played during one of the darkest chapters of his life. In May 2020, May suffered a severe heart attack, an ordeal that tested not only his resilience but also the strength of their decades-long relationship.
Just weeks prior, May was already battling a painful gardening injury involving a ripped muscle and trapped nerve when the heart attack struck. The attack, marked by 40 minutes of excruciating chest pain, tightness, radiating arm sensations, and sweating, revealed three congested arteries that required urgent medical intervention. Doctors inserted three stents to restore proper blood flow—an operation critical to saving his life.
But it was Anita Dobson, May’s wife of 20 years (and partner for 34), who truly became his rock throughout the harrowing recovery. In heartfelt interviews throughout late 2020, May credited Anita with “totally sav[ing] my life.” Incapacitated and struggling with numerous complications—including an allergic reaction to medication, severe sciatica that left him immobile, and a stomach hemorrhage causing significant blood loss—May was utterly dependent on her.
“I couldn’t do anything and she just kind of nursed me, so I will forever be in her debt,” May said. Anita’s unwavering presence during the COVID-19 lockdown provided a controlled environment that allowed her to focus entirely on his care. May acknowledged the silver lining: “It was a good job it was lockdown in a way.”
Anita not only cared for his physical needs but also helped him maintain a daily fitness routine, including biking, which May credits for aiding both his physical and mental health. He humorously noted that this commitment was inspired by the late Freddie Mercury, keeping the spirit of Queen alive even amid adversity.
Interestingly, May speculated that his heart attack might have been linked to an undiagnosed COVID-19 infection during Queen’s January 2020 tour. He recalled feeling “pretty grim” with fatigue and a bad cough, theorizing that the virus could have thickened his blood and triggered the cardiac event. Though he doesn’t fit the typical heart attack risk profile—he neither smokes nor drinks—this theory remains unconfirmed.
Brian May’s health battles didn’t end there. In September 2024, he suffered a minor stroke that temporarily impaired control of his left arm. Anita provided reassuring updates in 2025, sharing that he was stable and even enjoyed a festive trip to Lapland.
Through every challenge, Anita Dobson has stood as Brian May’s steadfast caregiver and emotional anchor. His candid acknowledgment of her vital role in his survival is a powerful testament to love, devotion, and the quiet heroism behind the scenes of a rock legend’s life. As May puts it, he will “forever be in her debt”—words that resonate far beyond their personal story.
