Manila — Following the heartbreaking passing of the “Superstar” Nora Aunor, a secret buried for more than three decades has finally come to light: renowned jazz singer Richard Merk revealed to the public that he was Nora Aunor’s legal husband until the day she drew her final breath.

Richard James Bulawin Merk — known as the “Prince of Jazz” in the Philippines — is not only celebrated for his musical prowess but also as the man who once held Nora Aunor’s heart. In a deeply emotional interview, he confessed, “We were married in Las Vegas on July 7, 1988. We were never divorced.”

A Quiet Love Between Two Wounded Souls

SWEET AND LOVING' | Richard Merk fondly remembers Nora Aunor | Pocholo Concepcion

Their meeting wasn’t under the limelight but through the soft melodies of music. Through rehearsals, world tours across Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States, a quiet but profound love blossomed. One fateful night in Las Vegas, Nora turned to Richard and said, “Tara, pakasal tayo” (“Come on, let’s get married”). Hours later, they became husband and wife — no cameras, no press, just pure, unfiltered love.

Heartbreak, Separation, and Three Decades of Silence

Richard Merk, humingi ng tawad sa mga labi ni Nora Aunor | PEP.ph

But love alone wasn’t enough to shield them from tragedy. Nora suffered an ectopic pregnancy, losing their only child. Creative differences later tore them further apart. Richard walked away silently, moving to a church in Fairview, seeking solace and healing. Though they parted ways emotionally, legally they remained husband and wife — a truth Richard kept hidden until now.

For over 30 years, almost no one knew that behind Nora Aunor’s dazzling stardom, there was a man who once called her “wife.”

A Final Farewell Among a Nation’s Tears

On April 22, Nora Aunor was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) with full state honors. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared it a National Day of Mourning in recognition of her immense contributions to Philippine arts and culture.

Among the sea of mourners, Richard Merk stood — not as a celebrity, not as a friend, but as the man who once loved and was loved by Nora Aunor. “Our love didn’t need the spotlight. It was like a private song, one only we could hear,” Richard said, his voice breaking.

An Undying Love, A Timeless Secret

Richard Merk | Abante Tonite

When the curtains fell and the applause faded, the love story between Richard Merk and Nora Aunor continued to echo — proof that some love stories don’t need headlines; they just need to exist.