Chris Cornell’s Widow Vicky Pens Open Letter to the Singer
While many mourn Chris Cornell for the music he provided, the talent he possessed and the kindness and friendship he showed his peers, his wife Vicky could attest to a part of his life that not everyone saw up close -- his family life. Vicky was the one who called for help sensing something was wrong after speaking to her husband shortly after his concert last week and who also revealed to the public that the "suicide by hanging" ruling by the medical examiner may not have told the whole story of what happened to the singer. Now, as she prepares for Friday's funeral service for her late husband, she's shared an open letter via Billboard that she wrote to Chris.
The heartfelt message speaks to the role that Cornell played as a family man and a giving man who looked out for others. In the message, she vows to stand up for the singer, look after their children and looks forward to the day their paths will cross again. Check out the letter in full below.
To My Sweet Christopher,
You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.
You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn't be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I'm sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I'm sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.
I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.
I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.
Always and forever,
Your Vicky
On top of his musical pursuits, Cornell and his wife had formed the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation in late 2012, with the goal of helping to protect the most vulnerable children while helping to provide for a better future.
This new message follows a previous statement released shortly after the singer's death. “Chris’ death is a loss that escapes words and has created an emptiness in my heart that will never be filled,” Vicky stated. “As everyone who knew him commented, Chris was a devoted father and husband. He was my best friend. His world revolved around his family first and, of course, his music, second." The singer leaves behind three children aged 16, 12 and 11.
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