The entertainment world is reeling from the shocking revelations surrounding the death of beloved actor Ricky Davao, who passed away suddenly at age 63. What was once believed to be an unexpected loss has now been cloaked in mystery and heartbreak, as new details emerge about his secret health battle — one that was kept hidden from the public eye.

In an emotional and exclusive interview, Jackie Lou Blanco, Ricky’s former wife and longtime confidante, has broken her silence. She revealed that Ricky had been bedridden for months, silently battling a degenerative illness that he chose not to share with the world.

“He didn’t want people to worry. He was always the strong one… even when he was in pain,” Jackie Lou said, wiping away tears.

According to sources close to the family, Ricky had been experiencing severe complications in recent months, including difficulty walking, memory lapses, and bouts of fatigue that made even basic communication difficult. Despite this, he insisted on keeping up appearances and maintained a strong public image — attending events and smiling for cameras whenever possible.

His daughter Ara Davao also spoke publicly for the first time, confirming what many feared: her father was suffering far more than anyone imagined.

“He fought quietly, with dignity. The last weeks were the hardest. But he never wanted sympathy — just peace,” Ara said through trembling lips.

Those close to the family shared that Ricky’s condition had rapidly deteriorated weeks before his passing, and in his final moments, he was surrounded by only a small circle of loved ones — no cameras, no fanfare. Just silence, prayer, and unspoken grief.

Even more shocking is the claim from insiders that Ricky had left a final letter — reportedly handwritten from his hospital bed — where he confessed his regrets, his final wishes, and a heartbreaking message addressed to both his family and one unnamed individual, rumored to be a special companion from recent years.

The contents of the letter have not been made public, but whispers surrounding it suggest there may be surprises in his last will and testament. Some insiders speculate that it could involve property transfers, or even the acknowledgment of a relationship kept hidden for years.

Jackie Lou, although no longer his wife, admitted that their bond remained strong until the end.

“We may have parted ways as husband and wife, but we never stopped being family,” she said softly. “And in the end, I was just there… holding his hand.”

As fans light candles, leave flowers, and flood social media with tributes, the real story of Ricky Davao’s final days is just beginning to unfold. A man of grace, depth, and quiet strength — Ricky leaves behind not just a legacy of unforgettable performances, but a final chapter filled with unspoken love, mystery, and devastating truth.

Actor-director Ricky Davao, who died on Thursday, May 1, at the age of 63, was honored by his former wife, seasoned actress Jackie Lou Blanco, and their children in heartfelt tributes on social media.

One of their daughters, Ara, took to Instagram to share a photo of her dad and her late grandmother, Pilita Corrales, with the caption, “Our angels [white heart emoji].”

Blanco reposted her daughter’s post and wrote, “I know you are singing in heaven. You will forever be missed. I love you,” seemingly addressing her former spouse.

Ricky Davao with ex-wife Jackie Lou Blanco and one of their daughters, Rikki Mae. Image: Instagram/@dongdantes, @getyourfrikon

Actor-director Ricky Davao, who died on Thursday, May 1, at the age of 63, was honored by his former wife, seasoned actress Jackie Lou Blanco, and their children in heartfelt tributes on social media.

One of their daughters, Ara, took to Instagram to share a photo of her dad and her late grandmother, Pilita Corrales, with the caption, “Our angels [white heart emoji].”

Blanco reposted her daughter’s post and wrote, “I know you are singing in heaven. You will forever be missed. I love you,” seemingly addressing her former spouse.

Image: Instagram/@jackielou.blanco

Blanco’s mother, Corrales, died on April 12 at the age of 87, less than a month before Davao’s passing.

Ara also shared her prior post confirming her father’s death and wrote a separate caption, “I love you, Pa. Rest well.” The pair’s other daughter, Rikki Mae, also posted an old photo of herself and her dad with him hugging her from behind, writing, “I love you so much, Papa.”

Rikki Mae had previously requested that those who had the chance to visit Davao during his last days in the hospital refrain from posting pictures of her father as a “respect for his privacy.”

Blanco and Davao share three children: Ara, Rikki, and Kenneth. The former couple married in 1989 before separating sometime in 2011.

In a previous interview in 2023, Blanco admitted that she had regrets over their separation, but Davao said it was a situation that needed “acceptance and moving on.”

Prior to his passing, Davao was in a relationship with his non-showbiz girlfriend. Meanwhile, Davao’s other daughter, Teddy, also took to Instagram to pay tribute to her father.

“I’ll always be your Teddygirl, Papa. I love you,” she captioned their old photos together.