Anne Heche attends the 74th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 12, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California.Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Heather Duffy, Heche’s close friend andBetter Together With Anne & Heatherpodcast co-host, tells PEOPLE that it is “hard to believe it has been a year since Anne left this world.”
“In some ways, it’s more difficult now because we miss her even more,” she says. “It’s not an anniversary I want to celebrate, but it is an opportunity to shine a light on her life and her impact on this world, her industry, and the lives of the people who loved her.”
Anne Heche and Heather Duffy.BetterTogetherAnneandHeather/Instagram
BetterTogetherAnneandHeather/Instagram
In remembering her friend, Duffy credits Heche with being a trailblazer afterspeaking out about her sexuality. “Her contribution to the LGBTQ+ community is a legacy that will last forever, and our world will forever be more accepting because she stood in her truth when it was not popular to do so," she says.
“We are doing our best to live as she would have wanted us to — in love and kindness, finding fun in the small moments, working hard, being open and honest, and always accepting of others,” she adds.
“Homer is successfully starting his professional life and working very hard. Atlas is about to enter high school, and is focusing on his tennis training at a very high level,” she notes.
Anne Heche and sons Atlas and Homer.Anne Heche/Instagram
Reflecting on the last year and Heche’s lasting impact, Duffy says she and the late actress’s loved ones hope Heche will continue to be “remembered in the way she lived, as a kind and gentle soul, a mother, a friend, an incredible talent, and a free spirit who is finally free. But still watching over all of us with her love and guidance."
The actress washospitalized and in a comafor almost a week when she wasdeclared legally deadon Aug. 12. She wasremoved from life supporton Aug. 14 after she donated her organs.
Anne Heche.Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” a rep for the star told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. “Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy.”
The statement continued: “Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact.”
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The familylaid Heche to reston Mother’s Day 2023 in a small and private ceremony at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. A source told PEOPLE at the time, “It was a very intimate and special service.”
source: people.com
