Lisa Niemi, Patrick Swayze’s wife of 34 years, has started dating again. Niemi is seeing jeweler Albert DePrisco after meeting through a mutual friend at Lisa’s birthday celebration. They are said to be taking things slow. See below for details.

Eloisa Melo

Lisa Niemi is smiling once again about her love life.

Patrick Swayze’s wife of 34 years has started dating again, her rep confirms to PEOPLE (Swayze passed away in September 2009). The actor’s widow is seeing jeweler Albert DePrisco after meeting via a mutual friend during a celebration for Lisa’s birthday.

“It’s new, and they’re taking it slow,” the rep says.

Niemi, 56, who was by her husband’s side throughout his battle with cancer, unveiled a wax sculpture of Swayze last fall in Hollywood – two years after his death.

At the time, she reflected on her love for her husband, saying, “It became clear to me that someone had put a lot of love into this, for a man I loved so very much.”

She’s also spoken out about healing and finding hope after Swayze’s death, telling PEOPLE in 2010, “I know I’m stronger now. The fact that I’ve had some good days definitely gives me hope that I can have more.”

People