Designer Kate Spade died by suicide on June 5, 2018 at 55 years old, a tragedy that shocked those who long loved her iconic style. The news brought forth a flood of tributes from celebrities who'd worked with her or worn her designs, but few knew her like her niece, actor Rachel Brosnahan, the star of the acclaimed Amazon hit show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. On June 5, 2021, the three-year anniversary of losing her aunt, Brosnahan posted a rare photo and tribute to her on Instagram. Read on to see what she said.
Brosnahan posted a candid photo and sweet message in honor of her aunt.
The 30-year-old Emmy-winning actor, who is currently filming the fourth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, took to Instagram to share a photo of Spade in a fancy silver dress and pearls, sipping on champagne. "Missing Katy B today and every day ?," Brosnahan wrote in the caption.
Brosnahan's father, Earl Brosnahan, is Spade's older brother and she was quite close with her aunt. On the one-year anniversary of Spade's death in 2019, Brosnahan posted a similar message: "? Missing Katy B today ?"
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Brosnahan modeled for Kate Spade's last fashion venture after she died.
In Jan. 2019, Brosnahan became the face of a line Spade launched in 2016 with her husband called Frances Valentine, which was named after their daughter. "When you lose someone you love, you search for boundless ways to keep their memory alive," Brosnahan told People at the time. "This felt like a way to do that through her beautiful creations and an opportunity to share them with all of those who her work meant so much to."
During an interview with Today around that same time, Brosnahan said, "In Katy's case, there is so much of her left behind and this was an opportunity for us to celebrate her life and her legacy."
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Brosnahan posted a video the day her aunt died, showing her dancing and smiling.
On the day the news broke that Spade had died, Brosnahan took to Instagram to post a video of her aunt living life to the fullest. "Knowing Katy, this is how she would want to be remembered. She had a light that words can’t capture but touched everyone she came into contact with," the actor wrote. "She was exceedingly kind, beautifully sensitive, insanely talented, funny as heck and one of the most generous people I have ever known. She was effervescent. Hug your loved ones extra tight today."
Six months later, on Spade's first birthday after her death—Christmas Eve 2018—Brosnahan posted another photo. "Happy Birthday Katy B," she wrote. "We miss you like heck. ?"
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And she's reminded others struggling with mental health issues to seek help.
JOE SCHILDHORN/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesSpade's death, which was followed by the suicide of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdainthree days later, opened up a larger conversation about mental health in the U.S.
"There are so many of us who have experienced the high highs and low lows that life can contain," Brosnahan said on Today in early 2019. "I know that it can be so difficult to reach up out of the darkness, but you are absolutely never, ever alone."
She also told everyone else to "reach out to the people that you love and remind them that you love them."
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or chat them 24/7 for free and confidential support.
