The loss of Burt Reynolds in 2018 was felt by millions of people all across the world. The renowned actor passed away following a protracted struggle with various health conditions.

The actor left a huge legacy, including many treasured memories that former co-stars and friends now hold dear. The most touching comment came from Sally Field, a girlfriend who had been with him on and off.

Sally, who recently turned 76, may have kept quiet about the couple’s time together over the last few decades, but since Burt’s demise, she has spoken out.

Reynolds claimed that although he had several relationships that were only flings, he only had one true love. He explained how Sally Fields, a Hollywood celebrity, was the lady he would remember for the rest of his days in a startlingly open interview with Vanity Fair.

Field and Reynolds became deeply in love, and Reynolds would later admit that it was he who fought to bring Field on board for Smokey and the Bandit. However, the filmmakers weren’t persuaded and didn’t consider the actress to be “sexy enough”. However, Burt defended the actress, and Fields ultimately received the part.

“gave me a feeling that I was sexy, and I wanted to be everything he ever wanted.”

The famous couple, who appeared to be a match made in heaven, went on to co-star in films, such as 1978’s “Hooper and The End.” Fields initially had a great time with Burt. She claimed that he gave her “a feeling that I was sexy” and that she wanted to be all he “ever wanted”.

During the nearly five years that Burt and Sally dated intermittently, the media tracked every move the couple made. However, they made the decision to part ways in 1980. Sadly, the fairytale romance didn’t last, and it turned out to be much more complicated than most people thought.

Sally described in her autobiography how tightly the charismatic, award-winning actor controlled his partner.

“By the time we met, the weight of his stardom had become a way for Burt to control everyone around him, and from the moment I walked through the door, it was a way to control me. We were a perfect match of flaws,” Sally Fields wrote in her memoir, In Pieces, and added:

”Blindly I fell into a rut that had long ago formed in my road, a pre-programmed behavior as if in some past I had pledged a soul-binding commitment to this man.”

What may have been the start of something lovely, a love story for the ages, turned into Sally’s worst nightmare.

“What happened is that I stopped existing. I dressed for him, looked for him, walked for him. He asked me to marry him many times, [but] I knew his heart wasn’t in it,” she said. “We’d have ended up just feeling terrible.”

Both actors moved on and began dating new people after their relationship broke off. But Burt never forgot Sally Fields and acknowledged that he was probably to blame for the consequences.

“I miss her terribly,” he said. “Even now, it’s hard on me. I don’t know why I was so stupid. Men are like that, you know. You find the perfect person, and then you do everything you can to screw it up.”

For more than 40 years, the actor kept his remorse to himself, and during the final years of Burt’s life, Sally cut off all communication with him. In fact, the Steel Magnolias actress didn’t speak to him for years and had no interest in rekindling their love.

Although the actual cause of the split has never been made public, there were rumors that Burt was having an affair with Fields. When the reports surfaced, it was extremely embarrassing for Sally, and she felt foolish.

But after his death, Fields made the decision to speak up and make an admission that most likely would have upset Burt.

As per reports, she said: “There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away. They stay alive, even forty years later. My years with Burt never leave my mind. He will be in my history and my heart, for as long as I live. Rest, Buddy.”

The well-known actor, who was 82 years old, reportedly passed away from a heart attack in 2018 with his family by his side.

Sally, who is now 76 years old, provided additional details on her genuine affection for Burt and their relationship for NPR

“I’ve always thought of him rather nostalgically… He was a very important part of my life, but for a tiny little part of my life. I was only with him for about three years and then maybe two years on and off after that. But it was so hugely important in my own existence, my own movement as a person.”

Sally added that she was relieved Burt died before she could publish her memories. Burt wouldn’t enjoy some of the book’s portions, the actress claimed.

Sally added that she was relieved Burt died before she could publish her memories. Burt wouldn’t enjoy some of the book’s portions, the actress claimed. She said, for instance, of her prior romantic interest, “confusing, complicated, and hurtful.”

”I felt glad that he wasn’t going to read it, he wasn’t going to be asked about it, and he wasn’t going to have to defend himself or lash out, which he probably would have,” she said.

Sally Fields and Burt were given a second chance at their unique relationship, but we hope that no matter where he is today, he is aware that she still has affections for him.