Tom Jones Blamed Himself for Wife’s Passing — He Says She Was ‘Reclusive’ While He ‘Never Kept Count’ of His Affairs
Tom Jones only had one true love in his lifetime—his wife, Linda Trenchard. However, the famous singer had countless affairs with women. Jones was Trenchard’s happiness and source of strength until her death. Sadly, Jones blamed himself for her passing and broke some vows he made before she died.
Tom Jones, born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, was barely a teenager when he first fell in love with Melinda Trenchard. At the time, he was still a young boy recovering from tuberculosis, a disease that kept him at home for two years.
While confined to his room, Jones only had Trenchard in his mind. He recalled wondering where she could be and the activities that kept her busy. He didn’t make contact with anyone but his doctor and tutor, but he occupied himself with thoughts of Trenchard.
Tom Jones and Linda Trenchard house hunting in London in March 1965 | Source: Getty Images
When he recovered, Jones pursued Trenchard, and they fell in love. At age 15, he left school and worked as an apprentice glove cutter. Although his job did not fascinate him, Jones was happy being in love with someone he described as “a shy, pretty girl from 3 Cliff Terrace.”
When he was younger, a gypsy told his mother that Jones would one day travel the world. Although his mother believed the woman, she didn’t think her son would become a world-renowned singer.
It didn’t take long before Jones and Trenchard decided to tie the knot at 16 when she was already eight months pregnant. The couple had their wedding in March 1957 at the Pontypridd register office.
Tom Jones with his wife Melinda Trenchard in Sudbury, circa 1967 | Source: Getty Images
Although still young, they expanded their family and welcomed a son, Mark Woodward, a month later. “I was working on the night shift when she went into labor,” Jones recalled. “Holding our son, Mark, for the first time was overwhelming.”
At the time, Jones was yet to pursue a career as a singer. He worked regular jobs to make ends meet until his wife encouraged him to pursue entertainment.
When he was younger, a gypsy told his mother that he would one day travel the world. Although his mother believed the woman, she didn’t think her son would become a world-renowned...