Kate Cassidy, the girlfriend of late One Direction star Liam Payne, was left in tears as she read old love letters the singer sent to her, nearly two years after his sudden death. In an emotional Instagram video posted on Wednesday, July 8, the 27-year-old influencer struggled to hold herself together while reflecting on their relationship and his passing.
Emotional Discovery in the Basement
In the video, Cassidy explained she was in her basement surrounded by letters and journals that Payne had written for her. Sobbing, she said: "Sometimes when I just feel sad I read old letters that Liam wrote me which make me more sad. I almost feel like people don't write letters and I have a mountain of letters and journals and books and all of these things he has left me. I was just reading this one letter and I have to say sometimes his handwriting is a little messy."
She read aloud from one letter, stumbling over the words: "I hope whenever you take a journey you remember I'm alongside you body and spirit. In every drive you remember how much you have driven me and all the hopes and dreams I have for your future. You're going to be a superstar if you learn how to love yourself the way I love you. So drive slow and remember to take your foot off the gas in life too. Your 20s are so difficult and you're halfway through navigating them."
Interpreting the Words After His Death
Cassidy broke down as she reflected on the meaning of Payne's words after his death. She said she now interprets them as him "cheering on from up above," adding that this is why it is important to write letters to loved ones for them to cherish. Payne died in October 2024 in Buenos Aires after falling from a hotel balcony. A post-mortem revealed strong traces of alcohol and cocaine in his system.
Cassidy had dated Payne for two years before his death. Since then, she has tried to move on, finding love months after the tragedy, but has been sharing her on-off relationship struggles with her fans.
Support from Fans
Fans rushed to the comments section to share supportive messages. One user wrote: "He is always watching over you." Another said: "Grief and loss has many layers," followed by a heart. A third added: "Almost as if he knew you were going to need to read that one day." Cassidy's emotional update highlights the ongoing impact of Payne's death on those close to him.
