Freddie Mercury (1946 - 1991), lead singer of 70s hard rock quartet Queen, performing live on stage.Fin Costello/Redferns

Freddie Mercury was born on September 5, 1946. The iconic frontman for Queen later dated Jim Hutton, a native of Co Carlow.

Hutton, who was a hairdresser in Ireland before meeting Mercury in London, was with the Queen frontman for seven years until the dynamic singer's untimely death in 1991. 

Though the couple was generally private, here's what we know about Jim Hutton, the Irish partner of Freddie Mercury.

Both Hutton and Mercury wore wedding bands during their relationship

Hutton lived with Mercury in the singer's Garden Lodge home soon after they began dating where they remained together until Mercury’s death.

Though they weren't officially married, Mercury wore a gold wedding band given to him by Hutton in 1986 until his death in 1991. According to Hutton's memoir, Mercury was wearing the ring when he was cremated.

Hutton helped care for Mercury after the singer was diagnosed with AIDS

Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, but for the following number of years, he publicly denied rumors that he had the syndrome.

However, it was later revealed that he had informed only those he most truly trusted, with Hutton being one of those people.

Mercury told Hutton that he would understand if he wanted to end their relationship to which Hutton replied, “I love you, Freddie, I’m not going anywhere.”

For Mercury’s remaining years, Hutton took care of him and was by his side until his death in 1991.

Hutton released his memoirs "Mercury and Me" in 1994

In 1994, Hutton released a book entitled "Mercury and Me," a memoir of his relationship with the famed singer. Within the book, Hutton shared details of his relationship with Mercury as well as some never-before-seen candid photos of both himself and Mercury together.

In an interview given shortly after the book was released, Hutton discussed various reasons why he wanted the book to be written and how it helped him deal with his grief in the aftermath of Mercury’s death.

Hutton died at 60 years of age due to lung cancer

On New Year's Day in 2010, Hutton died at the age of 60 from lung cancer, just three days shy of his 61st birthday.

In 1990, Hutton was diagnosed with AIDS and dealt with it until his death. He later said that it took him a year to break the news about the diagnosis to Mercury.

Many believed that Hutton had died from complications with AIDS, however, it was revealed that his death was caused by lung cancer.

* Originally published in November 2017. Updated in September 2023.