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Kate Spade's Family Speaks Out About Her Death

Photo credit: Andrew Toth - Getty Images
Photo credit: Andrew Toth - Getty Images

From Good Housekeeping

While women around the world are reminiscing over their first Kate Spade bag after the famed American designer was found dead in her Manhattan apartment of an apparent suicide, her relatives are still dealing with the tragic loss of the woman behind the label.

“We are all devastated by today’s tragedy,” her family said in a statement to the New York Daily News. “We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly. We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.”

Spade was 55 and is survived by her husband Andy, and their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade.

Spade’s sister Eve Brosnahan (the mother of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Rachel Brosnahan) also spoke with the Daily News on Tuesday. “It’s very difficult,” Brosnahan said, while crying - and politely declining to give a full interview. “I can’t right now. I just can’t.”

According to The Associated Press, Spade's body was found by a housekeeper shortly after 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning. She had left a note that police officials said pointed to “a tragic suicide" (though her death is still under investigation). Her husband was reportedly at the Park Avenue apartment at the time. Spade and Andy launched Kate Spade Handbags in 1993, but sold their stake in the brand to Neiman Marcus in 2006 - though, it's owned by Coach Inc. as of this year. Spade was more recently the designer of the Frances Valentine label.

Julia Curry, a spokeswoman for the original company, told the AP that “Kate will be dearly missed” and “our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time.” The brand also released a statement on social media.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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