I hadn't heard of it and I wouldn't have believed it either. Blackmore has good genes, always took good care of himself and has a healthy nasty side, he will live forever and reach a 100.
And then there is that happy for life marriage:
Plus, he doesn't throttle those aggressive streaks in a self-harmful way, lets it all out:
He is the master of life and death after all! (WARNING: Corny 80ies vids to follow.)
Anyway, he would call me first if he was dead.