News of fashion icon Kate Spade’s death sparked multiple rumors this week. Now, Kate’s husband, Andy Spade has published a statement in The New York Timesto set the record straight about her health and their marriage.
More: Designer Kate Spade Leaves Behind a Loving Family & Fashion Legacy
“Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world,” Andy wrote. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known and my best friend for 35 years. My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her. We are deeply heartbroken and miss her already.”
He went on to address rumors reported in Page Six about alleged alcoholism and issues in their marriage as well as a private message Kate reportedly left.
“For the past 10 months we had been living separately, but within a few blocks of each other. Bea was living with both of us and we saw each other or spoke every day. We ate many meals together as a family and continued to vacation together as a family. Our daughter was our priority. We were not legally separated, and never even discussed divorce. We were best friends trying to work through our problems in the best way we knew how. We were together for 35 years. We loved each other very much and simply needed a break.” He continued, “This is the truth. Anything else that is out there right now is false.”
Multiple reports were published speculating about Spade’s health, indicating that she refused to seek treatment for depression and that she was “a major alcoholic.” In his statement, Andy denied both of these claims.
“Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. She was actively seeking help and working closely with her doctors to treat her disease,” he wrote. “She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last 5 years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety. There was no substance or alcohol abuse. There were no business problems.”
More:Yes, People Who Are Depressed or Suicidal Can Look Like They “Have It All”
He also said that he is “appalled” that any portion of the note Spade left for Bea has been distributed to and through the media, ending his statement: “My main concern is Bea and protecting her privacy as she deals with the unimaginable grief of losing her mother. Kate loved Bea so very much.”
For more information on the warning signs and prevention of suicide, click here. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you live outside of the U.S., click here for a list of international hotlines. If you live outside the U.S., you can find a list of suicide-prevention hotlines worldwide here.
Leave a Comment