David Spade opens up about sister-in-law Kate Spade’s death: ‘I still can’t believe it’

Actor David Spade shared a warm Christmas memory in a tribute to sister-in-law Kate Spade, who was found dead June 5 in her New York City apartment of an apparent suicide.

“Fuzzy picture but I love it,” Spade wrote late that night in an Instagram post, sharing a picture of him and the late designer. “Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day.”

Kate Spade married David Spade’s brother, Andy, in 1994, one year after they started fashion brand Kate Spade New York together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjqb9HCBHTb/?hl=en&taken-by=davidspade

“She was so sharp and quick on her feet,” Spade added in his tribute. “She could make me laugh so hard. I still can’t believe it.”

“It’s a rough world out there people, try to hang on,” David Spade added.

Spade posted another message about his sister-in-law on Twitter along with a picture of her at a book-signing for his 2015 memoir “Almost Interesting.”

“Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I dont [sic] think everyone knew how f***ing funny she was… Its a rough world out there people. Try to hang on,” he wrote.

Kate and Andy Spade sold 56 percent of the brand to Neiman Marcus for $33.6 million in 1999. Liz Claiborne acquired the company in 2007, the same year Spade left her namesake brand.

The luxury fashion company Coach announced it was purchasing the company for $2.4 billion last year. They paid tribute to the namesake designer upon the news of her death:

Kate and Andy Spade had one daughter together.

Fans And Celebrities Respond With Shock And Sadness

In the wake of her shocking and untimely death, fans, celebrities and those in the fashion industry are mourning this incredible loss and reflecting on the impact she had on design, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and sorrow.

Social media personality Andrea Russett, for example, called Spade “creative and inspiring,” and reminded people that they are “never alone,” sharing the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number:

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shared that she received her first Kate Spade bag while in college, and that she still has it today:

RELATED: I’m A Middle-aged Woman Who ‘Has It All’ And Kate Spade’s Death Didn’t Shock Me

Fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone burst into tears when she was informed of Spade’s death.

“She was a great visionary who celebrated and elevated great ideas in this country,” Cutrone told New York Daily News. “It’s heartbreaking. She had a great spirit and I hope people remember her that way.”

Mindy Kaling paid tribute to the designer on Twitter — highlighting the “colorful, bold, cheerful” clothing the designer created.

Actress/singer Bette Midler echoed similar sentiments, calling attention to the tragic juxtaposition between Spade’s sunny, “joyous” designs and the real-life pain and darkness she was evidently experiencing.

In their remembrances, many — such as singer Josh Groban — have noted that Spade’s incredible success did not protect her from mental illness or unhappiness. They encouraged others who are suffering to seek help if they need it.

Reporter Nadra Nittle, for example, pointed out that fellow designers L’Wren Scott and Alexander McQueen also died by suicide, and called for a greater awareness of mental health in the fashion industry.

If you or someone you love is struggling and considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Written by Sandra Gonzalez for CNN with additional reporting by Kate Streit at Simplemost.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.