Pat Garlits, the wife of drag racing legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease today, according to the NHRA via their Twitter page. The couple met in 1952 and were wed in 1953. During their sixty-plus years of marriage, Pat remained by her husband’s side, traveling the highways and byways of America, supporting the racing icon, the greatest drag racer in history, during the many peaks and valleys of his long and still ongoing racing career.

Our condolences go out to Don Garlits and the family of Pat Garlits.

We’ll have more on this developing story in the week ahead.

Update: Official statement issues this evening by Don Garlits

Dear Friends,

My dear wife of nearly 61 years left this world and went over to the other side at 5:53 PM, this afternoon. She has been suffering a lot these last few… days and it was a Blessing to see God take her into His care. I will miss her very badly, but will be with her sooner than I realize, as time is very different here that over there.

She passed at home with her two Daughters at her side and me holding her hand and a little Yorkie dog on each side of her. She went without making a sound and this house is going to be very quiet for a while. I had “Glenn Miller” playing in the background, as that was her favorite “Big Band”.

I will let everyone know what the Arrangements will be when I know myself. Thanks for all the Prayers and support through this terrible ordeal.

Sincerely,
Don Garlits