Son promised Fawcett he'd lead a good life

NEW YORK, July 21 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Ryan O'Neal says his son Redmond promised his dying mother Farrah Fawcett he would live a life that would make her proud.

Fawcett died of cancer last month while Redmond was serving time in prison for drug possession. He was released so he could attend her funeral, but was unable to spend her last days alive with her.

"He spoke to her a number of times. He spoke to her a number of times on the cell phone. And, also, he was at the funeral. He came and they allowed him to carry her casket with the other pallbearers," actor Ryan O'Neal, Fawcett's longtime companion, said in an interview for the "Today" show. "Although, they didn't take his handcuffs off. So, he just kept them under his sleeves and he buried his mother. He got to bury his mother. And then the sheriffs took him back."

Asked what Redmond said to his mother in his last calls to her, O'Neal explained: "Well, I held the phone to her ear. So, I'm not exactly sure. But I think it was about regret. And the horror of not being able to see her again. And the promise of a good life. Of a life that she would be proud of. And because he is her legacy. And he now knows that, finally, it's clear. And he has a plan. A wonderful plan in mind to restore order in his life. And he will, with my help."