The Guitarist Who Nearly Lost It All—And the Wife Who Saved Brian May’s Life

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is known for the soaring riffs that helped define rock history. But in recent years, it hasn’t been his music that captured headlines—it’s been his battle with life-threatening health crises and the profound gratitude he expressed for his wife, Anita Dobson, who became his lifeline.

A Harrowing Health Spiral

In May 2020, just weeks after injuring himself while gardening, the rock icon was struck by a severe heart attack. For 40 agonizing minutes, May endured chest pain, arm numbness, and profuse sweating before being rushed to the hospital. Doctors discovered three blocked arteries and quickly fitted stents to restore blood flow—interventions that saved his life.

Yet the surgery was just the beginning. May faced a series of grueling complications: an allergic reaction to medication, excruciating sciatica, and even a stomach hemorrhage. Immobilized and in constant pain, he admitted he couldn’t care for himself. That’s when Anita Dobson, his wife of more than 20 years and partner of over three decades, stepped in completely.

“Forever in Her Debt”

May has never shied away from acknowledging Anita’s role in his recovery. “I couldn’t do anything and she just nursed me. I will forever be in her debt,” he shared tearfully in interviews. Fans were deeply moved—not only by his honesty about his struggles but by the raw devotion he expressed for the woman by his side.

The timing coincided with the COVID-19 lockdown, which, May reflected, may have been a hidden blessing: “It was a good job it was lockdown in a way.” With the world on pause, Anita could give him undivided care, from managing his pain to encouraging his daily rehabilitation. She even pushed him to embrace cycling, a routine he credits with restoring both body and mind.

The Shadow of COVID-19

Despite living a healthy lifestyle—he neither smokes nor drinks—May speculated that his heart attack may have been linked to an undiagnosed case of COVID-19, contracted during Queen’s early 2020 tour. He recalled coughing fits, extreme fatigue, and suspected the virus may have thickened his blood, setting the stage for the cardiac event.

Another Scare

The trials didn’t end with his heart. In September 2024, May suffered a minor stroke that briefly affected his left arm. Once again, Anita was at his side. She provided comforting updates in 2025, even sharing lighter news of their festive trip to Lapland—a sign of resilience and recovery.

Love Beyond the Spotlight

Through every setback, Anita has been more than a caretaker—she has been his anchor. For fans, May’s repeated tributes to her courage and devotion reveal a love story as powerful as any Queen anthem. Behind the rock legend’s public image lies a man who nearly lost everything—and a partner whose unwavering presence made survival possible.

“Forever in her debt,” he repeats, not as a cliché, but as a truth forged in pain and gratitude.

A Quiet Heroism

For the millions who admire Brian May’s music, his journey is a reminder of another kind of greatness. Guitar solos may define his career, but it is love, care, and loyalty that have defined his survival. And while May will always be celebrated as a rock god, Anita Dobson’s quiet heroism has made her the unsung legend in his story.