Clint Eastwood has shared a heartfelt message confirming the passing of his longtime partner, Christina Sandera.
The 61-year-old’s passing comes a decade after their relationship began in 2014.
Sandera was a resident of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small California town with just over 3,000 residents. Eastwood served as mayor there for two years, having been elected in April 1986.
Clint Eastwood and Christina Sandera pictured at the Oscars in 2015. (Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
Although they did not meet during his time in office, Eastwood contributed to the construction of a library annex and worked on installing public restrooms, beach walkways, and a parking lot for tourists.
The couple is thought to have met when Sandera was working as a host at the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in town.
Interestingly, Eastwood acquired the estate after saving it from developers and renovated the property to create a distinctive resort experience.
Sandera and her 94-year-old boyfriend maintained a relatively low profile, despite her attending several red carpet events.
Clint Eastwood and Christina Sandera attend Warner Bros. Pictures World Premiere of ‘The Mule’ at Regency Village Theatre on December 10, 2018 in Westwood, California. (David Livingston/Getty Images)
One notable event was the 2015 Oscars, where Eastwood received six nominations for his direction of the blockbuster film American Sniper.
Although the cause of her death has not been disclosed, Eastwood issued a statement on Thursday night, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
His statement read: “Christina was a wonderful and compassionate woman, and I will miss her dearly.”
A Warner Bros. spokesperson informed the publication that no further details regarding her death will be released.
In addition to attending the Academy Awards, she accompanied Eastwood to several premieres, including Sully in 2016, which he directed, and again two years later for The Mule, where Eastwood both starred and directed.
Eastwood and Sandera at the Eastwood Ranch Foundations hosting its 1st annual Fall Garden Party Animal Rescue Fundraiser in 2015. (JB Lacroix/Getty Images)
Sandera also appeared among the stars at the premiere of The 15:17 to Paris in the same year, directed by Eastwood, and again at the premiere of Richard Jewell in 2019, which Eastwood also directed.
Although the couple never had children together, Eastwood has eight children from relationships with six different women.
He has two sons, Kyle and Scott, and five daughters: Alison, Francesca, Kimber, Laurie, and Morgan.
Clint Eastwood was married twice before his relationship with Sandra Locke. He first wed model Maggie Johnson in 1953, but they separated in 1964 and finalized their divorce 20 years later.
He married TV news anchor Dina Ruiz in 1996, but they divorced in 2014.
