Freddie Mercury’s former fiancée and closest confidante, Mary Austin, is set to release a book honoring the music legend on what would have been his 80th birthday. Following Freddie’s passing in 1991, Mary inherited not only his estate but also an extensive creative collection spanning nearly two decades. This archive includes early works predating Queen, extending to his solo career, containing unreleased materials such as alternate lyrics for iconic songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and multiple versions of “Don’t Stop Me Now,” along with unreleased tracks.
The upcoming book will showcase these treasures alongside personal accounts and photographs from Freddie’s personal archives, many of which have never been seen by the public. Titled “A Life in Lyrics,” the book is hailed as the definitive homage to one of the greatest songwriters in history.
Mary Austin shared, “In early 2023, while organizing the contents of Garden Lodge, Freddie’s cherished home bequeathed to me, I stumbled upon forgotten papers that had remained untouched for over three decades. Among these were Freddie’s lyric drafts, scribbled on loose sheets and plain notebooks, concealing the brilliance within. Rediscovering his handwritten notes provided a glimpse into his creative mind, evoking memories of our shared past. I believe that by unveiling his manuscripts, coupled with fresh insights and personal anecdotes, I can shed light on the extraordinary talent of my dear friend for fans old and new.”
This forthcoming release follows a recent biography and sheds light on Freddie’s private life, revealing that he fathered a daughter in the 1970s. Investigative journalist Lesley-Ann Jones uncovered private journals and notebooks where Freddie documented his life, including his relationship with his daughter over a 14-year span.
Jones’s new book, “Love, Freddie,” offers a unique perspective on Freddie’s personal struggles and intimate life, as revealed by a close confidante referred to as “B.” According to “B,” this account will provide an insight into Freddie’s life as told by his own family for the first time.
“A Life in Lyrics” by Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin is scheduled for publication on September 1, 2026, by HarperNonFiction.