Hollywood is mourning the loss of Kate Spade. The fashion designer was found dead in her New York City apartment on Tuesday, June 5, from an apparent suicide, Us Weekly confirms. Celebrities including Chelsea Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell and Bethenny Frankel took to social media to react to the news of the 55-year-old’s death.
O’Donnell tweeted at Spade’s brother-in-law, actor David Spade, writing, “@DavidSpade – all my love to u dave.”
“My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college,” Clinton tweeted. “I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.”
The Real Housewives of New York City star, meanwhile, was one of the first celebrities to react, tweeting, “Poor @katespadeny to be in so much pain. Success doesn’t make you happy. True love & peace does.”
Fellow designer Kenneth Cole wrote on Twitter: ‘“I believed that I could, so I did’. She alone didn’t change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory. #KateSpade #RIP.”
The businesswoman was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at approximately 10:20 a.m. ET on Tuesday and pronounced dead at the scene, a New York Police Department PIO told Us.
“The medical examiner will determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing,” the PIO added.
Spade is survived by her husband, Andy Spade, whom she wed in 1994, and their 13-year-old daughter Frances. The couple launched Kate Spade New York in 1993. After the success of their initial handbag line, the brand expanded to clothing, shoes, eyewear, perfume, stationery and more accessories. After selling the company in 2007, she launched a new bag line in 2016 called Frances Valentine.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Scroll through to see more celebrity reactions to Spade’s death:
As “unfussy” as I am, I still loved my Kate Spade bags. Practical, classy, and elegant… Praying for her family…her husband and 13 yr old daughter.
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) June 5, 2018
I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colorful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You couldn’t walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) June 5, 2018
My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) June 5, 2018
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Kate Spade. Mental illness does not discriminate and can happen to anyone with any circumstances. I hope she has found peace ❤️
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help. https://t.co/eruSexNoGj
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 5, 2018
This is absolutely devastating. The mental health crisis is real. https://t.co/Lg4Fav1sST
— Patti Murin (@PattiMurin) June 5, 2018
This is heart wrenching . My love to her family and friends. https://t.co/tZfYU7VaxZ
— Beth Behrs (@BethBehrs) June 5, 2018
Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 5, 2018
So deeply sad to hear the news about @katespadeny . Her vibrancy and beauty will live on through her work. #rip
— Cara Santana (@CaraASantana) June 5, 2018
Any of us, at any time, under any circumstances, can find life too hard to bear. You are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: text BUDDY to 741-741 for free 24/7 support
More: https://t.co/u4GRcUkwHqRIP Kate Spade 🙏🏾💔
— Parisa Fitz-Henley (@ParisaFH) June 5, 2018
Devastating news https://t.co/5BRrm3tYat
— Jason Kennedy (@JasonKennedy1) June 5, 2018
