Earlier this week, we reported that Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on the iconic television show “Gilligan’s Island,” had passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from COVID-19. Now, the widow of Gilligan himself Bob Denver is speaking out to pay tribute to her.

Dreama Denver was married to Bob for 26 years before he passed away in 2005, and she knew Dawn very well during her lifetime. When asked by Fox News what her favorite memory of Dawn is, Dreama said, “Every memory is pretty special, but I think our time together on the road is what stands out for me. Often, we shared a room and sat up most of the night talking ‘girl talk.’ In 2015, we did a book tour in Missouri and visited her alma mater, Stephens College. To see the welcome she received, to feel the love directed at her for her support of Stephens, was really special.”

“As we lost cast members, the remaining crew became closer,” she continued. “First, Jim, Natalie and Alan, then many years later, Bob and more recently Russell. After Bob’s death, I stepped in to represent him at public appearances and that’s when Dawn and I hit the road together as Mary Ann and Mrs. Gilligan. We were quite the duo and fans seemed to enjoy the two of us together. Over the last 15 years, our appearances together were how we stayed in touch, and during the months between, there was always the phone. LONG conversations!”

Dreama went on to say that Dawn loved being associated with “Gilligan’s Island,” which was on from 1964-1967 and has never gone off the air in reruns since.

“Dawn loved and was forever grateful for ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and the fame it brought her,” Dreama explained. “She never once complained about being known for the show. As a matter of fact, she was very protective of Mary Ann, understanding that her character was a role model for young girls everywhere, which made her treat Mary Ann with a lot of TLC. There was so much of Dawn in that character. Obviously, the sweet nature, the physical beauty (the woman never aged) and the nurturing quality of Mary Ann.”

“Dawn was a nurturer to family, friends, and fans,” she added. “She was always kind and generous with her time. Also, she never failed to be the first to step up in support of a cause she believed in. She did that for me and my work with the Denver Foundation and Always Free Honor Flight. I would need her. She would come. That’s who she was.”

This comes after Tina Louise, who played Ginger Grant on the show and is the last surviving cast member, spoke out to pay tribute to Wells.

“I will always remember her kindness to me,” Louise said. “We shared in creating a cultural landmark that has continued to bring comfort and smiles to people during this difficult time. I hope that people will remember her the way that I do – always with a smile on her face.”