How ’Dukes of Hazzard’s John Schneider Is Honoring His 'Much Better Half'
John Schneider is honoring his late wife, Alicia Allain, with a new project.
The Dukes of Hazzard star recently made his first public appearance following Allain's death in February, attending the Drinks With DeeDee Sorvino cabaret show on July 26, at the American Legion Hollywood Post 43 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Schneider's spouse—who died after a four-year battle with cancer—was not only his marital partner, but the couple worked together as well, composing music and producing movies. Now, as a tribute to their love, the actor has vowed to continue their legacy.
"My bride Alicia and I did our own movies and our own music, so we didn't work for anybody," Schneider told Daily Mail at the event. "So that was very, very helpful. Now that my much, much, much better half is not here but waiting for me, I am trying to honor her professionalism and trying to honor her skill."
The newest project comes in the form of a musical album entitled We're Still Us, which he noted is "all about her." While he feels "very proud" of how it turned out, he added that it was a particularly difficult project to work on in her absence.
"I do believe it's helpful, but honestly, I don't see a time where this doesn't hurt like hell. It hurt so bad to write. It hurt so bad to sing," he admitted of the creative process, but alluded to it all being worth it, promising, "But the final product is going to be healing for those who are going through this… statistically speaking, two people get married, one of them is going to die first."
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The actor conveyed his commitment to being a light in the lives of others who've similarly experienced the loss of a significant other, expressing his hope that it can encourage conversations around this common topic.
"There's a huge demographic of people who've lost a spouse out there, and people are afraid to talk about it," he said. "So we really have no support system. Now, did I ever dream in my wildest imagination that I would be a well-educated support system for people who lost the loves of their lives? No, but that's where I am."
He continued, tearfully confirming, "So that's what I'll do."
Yet, Schneider remains positive, saying that the pair's partnership will continue even now, even after the immense loss. "She and I are going to do remarkable, great things because of this. Not in spite of it, but because of this," he noted, adding that he expects to reunite one day in heaven. "I did not lose her. I know where she is, and one of these days—if I do not screw it up—I will meet her there. It is up to me now."
The two married in July 2019, in a barn, later developing and producing several film projects, including Anderson Bench and Like Son, among several others.
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