One week ago, beloved actor Luke Perry passed away following a massive stroke. He was only 52.
In addition to his children and countless friends and fans, he left behind a fiancee.
They were together for over a decade, and she has broken her silence on this terrible loss.
44-year-old Wendy Madison Bauer is a therapist who leads a much less public life than her dearly departed fiance.
But she has released a statement to Today to honor his passing.
"I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support," Wendy begins.
"The countless, heartwarming stories of Luke’s generosity and kindness have been a great source of solace during this difficult time," she expresses.
Wendy affirms: "The past 11 1/2 years with Luke were the happiest years of my life."
"And," she says. "I am grateful to have had that time with him."
"I also want to thank his children, family, and friends for their love and support," Wendy continues.
She notes that: "We have found comfort in one another."
Wendy writes: "and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man."
"He will be dearly missed," she concludes.
That is a thoughtful and tasteful statement.
Luke Perry’s daughter, Sophie, spoke out on Instagram.
"A lot has happened in this past week for me," she understated. "Everything is happening so fast."
She shared "I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family."
"And in the past 24 hours," Sophie wrote. "I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support."
"I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages," she admitted. "But I see them."
"And," she emphasized. "Appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and [me]."
"I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation," Sophie confessed.
She explained that "it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle."
Sophie notes that this is true "especially when it’s all happening in the public eye."
"So bear with me," she asked. "And know that I am grateful for all the love."
Sophie concluded: "Just, being grateful quietly."
Luke Perry was also honored by his son, Jack Perry, in an emotional tribute.
"He was a lot of things to a lot of people," Jack began. "To me, he was always Dad."
"He loved and supported me in everything," he affirmed. "And inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be."
Jack then switched to the first person to address his late father.
"I’ve learned so much from you," he wrote. "And my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for."
"I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth," Jack expressed.
He emphasized: "I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud."
"I love you Dad," Jack concluded.
As Luke’s loved ones all grapple with his heartbreaking, sudden, and tragic death together, they can at least lean upon each other.
They all have powerful, beautiful memories to share.
There can be real comfort in that.