On this day in 1977, George Harrison and Pattie Boyd officially cut ties after 11 years together. George Harrison and Pattie Boyd first met in March of 1964, the start of a relationship that would last over a decade.

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

After meeting Harrison on March 2 of 1964, Boyd ended her relationship with photographer Eric Swayne only days later, immediately smitten by the Beatle. After a little over a year with Harrison, the two got engaged on Christmas day in 1965, tying the knot a month later in January. Despite the marriage taking place in Surrey at a registry office, due to the fear of paparazzi and fans making a scene had it taken place in a larger venue, both Harrison and Boyd showed up dressed for the occasion. Boyd wore a dress made by Mary Quant, and Harrison wore a Mongolian Lamb Coat.

Following the marriage in 1966, the two did an interview on their married life with the Evening Standard. Harrison stated that his marriage had transformed many aspects of his life. Not least of which was a taste for the finer things in life. The two would later go on to share a fascination with eastern mysticism, spending time in India and adopting a regime of yoga and vegetarianism that would continue after returning to England. During the height of The Beatles' popularity, Harrison convinced her to largely abandon her modeling career over fears for both their privacy and their safety from female fans of the band.

The Honeymoon Is Over

Despite their closeness and shared interests, however, the pair soon began growing apart in the early 1970s, unofficially separating in 1974, precipitated by Harrison's multiple affairs with other women, including with Ringo's wife Maureen. This separation was made official on June 6, 1977, with the pair signing off on a divorce. Though they kept in touch throughout the years, their last meeting was in 2001. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 1997, Harrison was hopeful that he would make a full recovery. Four years later, however, without any progress from his radiotherapy treatments, he soon realized he was losing his battle. He reached out to old friends and loved ones for a final time. He met with Boyd for the last time around 3 months before his death.