Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall had a great love story for many years until he died over the weekend. Bullock is now grieving Randall’s death and raising their children alone.

Although Bullock had adopted her children before meeting Randall, he instantly became a father figure to them and treated them as if they were his own. The couple met through Bullock’s eldest son, Louis.

In January 2015, Randall, a model-turned-photographer, shot Louis’ birthday. Later that year, the photographer and actor made their relationship public by attending Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux’s wedding.

The couple had a wonderful connection and raised their three children together, including Randall’s daughter. Despite this, Bullock was hesitant to marry her lover since she had previously been divorced.

When asked why she wouldn’t marry the man with whom she was raising her children and whom Bullock referred to as “the love of her life,” she explained:

“I don’t need a piece of paper to be a devoted partner and mother.”

She went on to say that she didn’t need to be instructed to weather the storms with her partner or to be present at difficult times. Bullock went on to state that she had to consider who they were as parents and if they would continue to be wonderful parents to each other’s children if one of them died.

Bullock also stated that she appreciated how her spouse set a good example for her children, even though she didn’t always agree with his methods. He provided her children with a new viewpoint, but they shared the same ideals, she felt.

Unfortunately, Bullock now has to put her assumption about whether she can be there for Randall’s kid without her father to the test, as Randall just died after suffering a hidden illness.

Randall’s family announced on Monday that he died over the weekend at the age of 57. According to their statement,

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that Bryan Randall died peacefully on August 5 after a three-year battle with ALS.” [Randall] made the decision early on to keep his ALS journey private, and those of us who cared for him did our best to fulfill his wishes.”

They went on to thank his physicians for their persistent attempts to get Randall well, as well as everyone who sacrificed their own families to be with them during Randall’s tough days.

The family requested that the public maintain their privacy during this difficult time so that they may grieve and say their final goodbyes to Randall. During this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with Bullock’s and Randall’s families.