Tim Conway’s Widow Charlene Opens Up About Their Love Story: ‘It Was 35 Years of Heaven’

Just days after Tim Conway‘s rep, Howard Bragman, confirmed to Closer Weekly that the famed actor had died at the age of 85, his widow, Charlene Conway, is remembering all the great times she had with him.

“People say that nothing is perfect and truly nothing ever is,” Charlene told People. “But we had a marriage that … I feel that the two of us were meant to be together. We were just one mind and heart. And it was 35 years of heaven. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true.”

She and Tim were married in 1984. Although they don’t have any kids together, Tim is a proud dad-of-six to five sons — Corey, Jaime, Pat, Shawn and Tim Jr. — and daughter — Kelly — whom he shares with ex-wife Mary Anne Dalton.

Tim “instill[ed] in the family, all the kids, the grandkids, that humor does help us deal with horrific experiences,” Charlene explained about her husband’s comedic career. “It’s a way out. For him, it was a way out. It didn’t mean he felt or grieved any less. That was his outlet for it.”

Tim was best known for starring as the Oldest Man on The Carol Burnett Show on TV from 1967 until 1978. Though the show ended too soon, Tim still went on to have a very successful career in Hollywood and gained even more notoriety when he played Bucky Bright on 30 Rock.

“Tim’s been out of the limelight for four, five years, but I’m just amazed at the outpouring of love from his fans and everybody,” Charlene admitted about America’s reaction to Tim’s death. “And I’m so proud of him, and the man that he was.”

One thing that Charlene will never forget about her husband are the stellar characteristics that made him special. “His brain, his body, everything is funny,” she recalled. “And he was exactly what [fans] saw. A very sweet, kind, humble guy.”

You and your family are in our thoughts, Charlene.