After losing his wife to COVID-19, NC man spends first Thanksgiving alone in 51 years

As many prepare for their Thanksgiving celebration this year, for some, the dinner table will look different. For others, it may be empty.

For William Hughes, this will be the first holiday in 51 years he will spend without his wife, Anne.

"I hope she’ll bless us with her presence and spirit, I’d be surprised if she doesn’t," Hughes said.

Anne passed away from COVID-19 at a North Carolina nursing home just a few months ago. Both were fully vaccinated.

As Hughes wraps his mind around the fact that there will be one empty chair at the table, he can’t help but think that her death could have been prevented.

"It makes it that much more difficult to be charitable towards whoever gave her COVID-19," Hughes said

Data shows ​61% of the state has had at least one COVID-19 dose, and 39% of the state is still unvaccinated. That’s over 4 million people.

Hughes is asking that 39% to reconsider.

"Do you really want deaths like these on your conscience? My wife isn’t the only one who’s passed like this, it’s rampant in the country," Hughes said.

This year Hughes' neighbors invited him over for dinner, where he will toast to his wife and hope someone will change their mind after hearing her story.

"I considered her the light of my life. The best choice I ever made 51 years ago and I’m still grateful for her having accepted me and being my wife," Hughes said.