Andy Spade just paid tribute to his late wife, designer Kate Spade, who died by suicide at age 55 in June. In an Instagram posted late Monday, Andy shared a touching message about how he's keeping Kate's memory alive nearly two months after her tragic passing. Andy, along with his 13-year-old daughter Bea, celebrated Christmas in July to honor Kate.
She was born Christmas Eve, 1962. She loved the Midwest, the desert, and the city. I was lucky enough to have dear friends let my daughter and stay at their home through a difficult time. This tree was standing alone beside the house so we ordered those multicolored, old fashioned lights from Amazon or Target and another dear personal friend gave me a really Iong extension cord and Bea and I cut a star out of the cardboard box the lights came on and wrapped it in Reynolds wrap (TM) like we do every Christmas.
Along with the beautiful note, Andy shared a photo of the small tree he decorated with Bea. It's a striking image - the tiny, lit up Christmas tree against the desert back drop. It's so fitting for Kate, a designer who favored bold, daring designs for her titular label.
Andy has remained quiet since his wife's passing, only releasing one official statement after Kate's death. "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."
Andy's brother, comedian David Spade, has taken up the mantle of handling the press after Kate's passing. During an emotional appearance on Good Morning America, David gave an update on how the family was doing in the wake of such a tragedy. He said the family was doing “as good as we can,” but that “It’s been very tough, obviously. She really made an impact.” He called Kate "such a beautiful, lovely, great spirit."
It's wonderful to see Andy, Bea, and David honoring Kate's beautiful, lovely, great spirit in such meaningful ways.