For the first time since the tragic news of Irish American fashion designer Kate Spade's death broke on Tuesday, her husband, Andy, has released a statement. 

Kate, born Katherine Noel Frances Brosnahan, was found dead in their New York apartment on Tuesday morning of an apparent suicide. Just 55-years-old, she was one of the most iconic American designers of recent decades, crafting accessories that brought women joy, confidence, and practicality. 

Read More: Irish American fashion designer Kate Spade dead of apparent suicide 

Kate Spade suicide: Andy Spade gives statement after designer's death https://t.co/fjJoJI75uo pic.twitter.com/VwWMgo5pMu

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 7, 2018

Her husband, Andy, brother of David Spade and with whom she co-founded the Kate Spade brand in 1993, has released a heartbreaking statement about her death, their struggles leading up to it, and his disappointment with how the media has not respected the grief of their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrice, during this time. 

Read More: "Hug your loved ones extra tight" Rachel Brosnahan pays tribute to aunt Kate Spade

American designer Kate Spade has died at the age of 55. https://t.co/VARFYUKxu1 pic.twitter.com/bMDJCchAEp

— Vogue Runway (@VogueRunway) June 5, 2018

Read the letter in full:

Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world. 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.

Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. She was actively seeking help and working closely with her doctors to treat her disease, one that takes far too many lives. We were in touch with her the night before and she sounded happy. There was no indication and no warning that she would do this. It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn’t her. There were personal demons she was battling.

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.

This is the truth. Anything else that is out there right now is false. 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. We loved creating our businesses together. We were co-parenting our beautiful daughter. I have yet to see any note left behind and am appalled that a private message to my daughter has been so heartlessly shared with the media.

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.


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In America, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

If you need help, you can also text LISTEN to 741741. The Crisis Text Line will respond 24/7/365.

In Ireland, Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For support please call 116 123 in the Republic of Ireland or 08457 90 90 90 in Northern Ireland.