In june of year 1, edgar's wife cathy died and edgar did not remarry during the year. what is his filing status for year 1 (assuming they did not have any dependents)?

The correct answer is Married filing jointly

The economy does not recognize as if their marriage had ended so for that fiscal year he would apply as if his wife was still alive. If he remarries then the procedure is different because she would no longer be treated as his wife since he would have a new wife and file his taxes with her. Dependents like children also change the procedure.