Luke Perry‘s fiancéeWendy Madison Baueris speaking out for the first time since the actor’s sudden death.
Perrydied at the age of 52 on Monday, five days aftersuffering a massive stroke.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support,” Bauer says in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE. “The countless, heartwarming stories of Luke’s generosity and kindness have been a great source of solace during this difficult time.”
Perry and Bauer, 44, kept their relationship largely private. While it’s unclear when they got engaged, the couple walked the red carpet at the GLAAD Media Awards together in April 2017.
In 2003, Perry amicably split from wife Rachel “Minnie” Sharp, mother of his 21-year-old son Jack and 18-year-old daughter Sophie.
Vivien Killilea/Getty
Sharing her memories of the actor with PEOPLE earlier this week, longtime friendPatricia Arquettesaid Bauer was Perry’s perfect match.
“His joy was being a father to kids, Jack and Sophie, and he had found true joy and happiness with his great love, Madison,” said Arquette, 50. “It’s a true loss to all of us who knew him and to those who didn’t.”
Both of Perry’s children have also spoken out about their father’s sudden death.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday,Sophie shared a photoof herself and the lateRiverdalestar.
“A lot has happened in this past week for me,” she captioned her Instagram. “Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support.”
“I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I,” she continued. “I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So [bear] with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.”
Jack alsoposted a tributeon Wednesday.
“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad,” Jack —who is also a wrestler— began histouching Instagram post.
“He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be,” he continued. “I’ve learned so much from you, 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.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family asks that donations be made toFight Colorectal CancerandSt. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
source: people.com
