Shivangi Sinha
Lifetime’s ‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story,’ produced under the Robin Roberts banner, offers a deep dive into the life of the iconic singer. The film captures the defining moments of Gaynor‘s illustrious career while also exploring her complex relationship with Linwood Simon. Their story unfolds on screen, beginning with their first meeting through mutual friends and their instant connection. Their marriage, which spans 26 years, is depicted with sensitivity, and both the highs and lows are depicted with a nuanced and respectful approach.
Linwood Simon Acted as Gloria Gaynor’s Manager While They Were Married
Before meeting Gloria Gaynor, Linwood Simon worked as a New York Police Transit Officer. His sisters, who were background singers for Gaynor in the early 1970s, introduced an unexpected connection between them. One day, while flipping through photos, Gaynor spotted him and confidently declared that she would marry him. A few months later, fate brought them together, and their connection was instant. Despite her demanding career, she prioritized their relationship and always made time for him amid her rising success.
Simon took care of Gaynor in ways he knew best. During one business meeting he attended with her, he spoke up on her behalf and made strong points. Impressed by his assertiveness, she asked him to become her manager, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. On October 9, 1979—just six months after Gaynor’s spine surgery—the couple got married and officially began their journey together. They found a home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Both dedicated themselves to building her career, helping her achieve incredible success. However, in later years, Gaynor alleged that he was not as effective a manager as she had once believed.
In an interview, she opened up about the factors that led to the collapse of her marriage. She alleged that Simon had been unfaithful for a long time, and while they shared some good moments, the difficult times ultimately outweighed them. She also alleged that he had eventually gotten addicted to drugs. One particular incident cemented her decision to leave—she was suffering from a severe migraine for the second time in just a few weeks, and when she informed Simon, he allegedly showed no concern. Feeling that his indifference reflected a deeper disregard for their relationship, she decided that filing for divorce was the most liberating decision she had ever made.
Linwood Simon Has Kept a Low Profile Since His Divorce
Gloria Gaynor shared that reconnecting with her faith in the 1980s played a significant role in her decision to file for divorce. She officially filed on June 24, 2004, and the divorce was finalized in 2005. As part of the settlement, Gaynor retained ownership of their shared house and kept all royalties from her pre-marital work. Linwood Simon, on the other hand, received the “Big Fish Farm” the couple owned in Brazil.
After several appeals and adjustments to the terms, they eventually went their separate ways. Gaynor did not retain Simon as her manager. Instead, her new manager, Stephanie Gold, claimed that Gaynor was completely out of money and blamed Simon for her financial troubles. After their marriage ended, Simon left the music industry and is no longer a music publisher. He has maintained a very low profile and has stayed out of the spotlight for years.
Read More: Queenie Mae Proctor: What Happened to Gloria Gaynor’s Mom?
