“When you are a genius, you do not have the right to die, because we are necessary for the progress of humanity.”
The surrealist painter spoke these words during a public appearance in 1986. He died in hospital of a heart attack at the age of 84, and was buried in a crypt below the stage of his Theatre-Museum, just 450 meters from the house where he was born.
“Just make me sleep. Doesn’t matter what time I get up…
“I can’t function if I don’t sleep. They’ll have to cancel it.
“And I don’t want them to cancel it, but they will have to cancel it.”
According to his doctor, who was the last person to see him alive, these were the King of Pop’s final words, asking for the anaesthetic propofol to help him sleep. Michael Jackson was referring to the cancellation of a rehearsal he was due to attend, and died from an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepines. His doctor was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
“Okay, I won’t.”
This was the King of Rock and Roll’s reply to his fiancee Ginger Alden, after she warned him not to fall asleep in the bathroom, where Elvis said he was going to read. Presley died at the age of 42, there are conflicting accounts on the cause of death, and it is still the subject of debate.
“On the ground.”
The novelist and social critic’s final words were spoken to his sister-in-law Georgina when she asked him to lie down. Charles Dickens died from a stroke and was laid to rest at Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey.
“Well, boys, do your best for the women and children, and look out for yourselves.”
After giving these orders to his crew, the Captain of the Titanic remained at his post on the bridge and went down with the ship.
“Kaput!”
Manfred von Richthofen, a fighter pilot ace during World War 1, was killed in action by machine gun fire from the ground. ‘Kaput’ translates into English as ‘broken, useless.’
“You are wonderful.”
The author and physician, best known for his creation of the detective Sherlock Holmes, died at his home of a heart attack. These were his last words spoken to wife Jean.
“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.”
The actor and director died at his home in Los Angeles of COPD after falling into a coma. This is his last message on Twitter, sent a few days before his death.
“On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don’t let me down.”
The iconic musician and activist’s deathbed words to his son Ziggy, Bob Marley died in a Florida hospital of cancer at the age of 36.
“I’m shot”
The musician and ex-Beatle was murdered by Mark Chapman outside the entrance of the Dakota where he was residing in New York City. John Lennon was shot four times in the back and collapsed, he was taken to Roosevelt hospital where attempts were made to resuscitate him but died from his injuries.
