Kelly Bishop Talks Reaching out to Psychic Medium After Husband’s Demise (Unique)

Kelly Bishop’s husband Lee Leonard, a former host on ESPN and CNN, died in 2018 from most cancers, however the Gilmore Ladies actress has discovered methods to really feel linked with him, together with by means of using a psychic medium — even when she’s not completely certain whether or not the afterlife exists.

“In fact, we do not know whether or not it is true or not … However I would like it to be,” Bishop, 80, tells PEOPLE for this week’s print concern. “It provides me hope. It provides me hope for the soul, and it provides me hope to reconnect with individuals who’ve been so deeply vital to me,” she provides. “I ought to contact [the medium] and see what he is as much as. Most likely nonetheless enjoying golf.”

For extra on Kelly Bishop, choose up the newest concern of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe right here.

Bishop is wanting again on her 37-year marriage to Leonard in her new memoir, The Third Gilmore Woman, out this month from Gallery Books. An intensive journey by means of her acclaimed profession on stage and display screen, with credit together with the Broadway musical A Refrain Line and beloved movies and TV reveals like Soiled Dancing and Gilmore Ladies, Bishop additionally recounts the deep bond she had with Leonard, who she wed in 1981 after her first marriage resulted in divorce.

“One of many issues I believe that truly helped with us is the truth that he wasn’t an actor,” Bishop says. “I might at all times attempt to keep away from actors … Even if you happen to assist one another in regardless of the endeavor is, one might be going to work greater than the opposite or have a extra profitable job.”

The pair’s careers — and dedication to them — additionally meant they mutually supported one another.

“There are numerous males, even in as we speak’s world, who would really feel threatened if their wives have been extra profitable or making extra money than they did,” Bishop provides. “And he had numerous confidence, numerous self-confidence, and he meant it sincerely.”

Following her first marriage, Bishop says that she was initially hesitant to start one other relationship.

“I used to be not going to get myself concerned, significantly concerned, with anybody except I used to be fairly darn certain,” Bishop says. “And I keep in mind pondering to myself, ‘I believe there’s somebody on the market for me … I believe so, however I’ll by no means discover him. He is perhaps on the market wandering round searching for me too, and we’ll by no means meet.’ So I used to be actually very particular when Lee and I began courting about what I needed in a person, a boyfriend, a mate, that I used to be not going to accept lower than what I discovered actually vital.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is right here! How shortly are you able to clear up it? Play now!

“I checked out him and I assumed, ‘This man won’t ever bore me. Okay, you may fall in love.’” Bishop says. “And I actually did.”

By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free every day e-newsletter to remain up-to-date on the very best of what PEOPLE has to supply​​, from movie star information to forcing human curiosity tales.

Except for contacting Leonard by means of a medium, Bishop honors his reminiscence together with her personal rituals at residence, too.

“I do mild my little candle,” Bishop says. “I at all times burn a white one as a result of I wish to attract good spirits … I mild the candle, and go, ‘Hello, Lee, the way you doing?”

Wanting again on their lengthy marriage, the actress says that its power was on account of their understanding of each other.

“The attractive factor about him, he was extremely trustworthy,” Bishop says. “He did not lie. He simply advised you the reality. So I believe it was mutual respect and an amazing quantity of affection on each side. We simply actually liked one another, so we have been blessed.”

“It was fantastic,” Bishop provides. “I am fortunate I had him for so long as I did, and I’ll in all probability miss him each single day for the remainder of my life.”