Wendy Madison Bauer Breaks Silence on Fiancée Luke Perry’s Death

Luke Perry‘s fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer is speaking out for the first time since the actor’s sudden death.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support,” Bauer, 44, said in a statement published Saturday. “The countless, heartwarming stories of Luke’s generosity and kindness have been a great source of solace during this difficult time.”

Bauer was in a relationship with the Beverly Hills, 90210 star for nearly 12 years, but the couple kept their romance largely private. While they never publicly announced their engagement, Perry’s rep Arnold Robinson confirmed that the two were engaged prior to his death.

“The past 11½ years with Luke were the happiest years of my life, and I am grateful to have had that time with him,” she continued. “I also want to thank his children, family and friends for their love and support. We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed.”

Had Perry and Bauer tied the knot, she would have been his second wife. In 2003, the Riverdale star amicably divorced his first wife, Rachel “Minnie” Sharp, the mother of his 21-year-old son Jack and 18-year-old daughter Sophie.

Both of Perry’s children have also spoken out about their father’s tragic death.

Sophie took to Instagram on Tuesday to post a photo with her arm around her late father. “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 captioned the photo.

“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,” Perry’s daughter continued.

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Jack posted his own heartbreaking tribute on Wednesday, promising to “carry on” his dad’s legacy.

“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad,” Jack — who is also a wrestler — began his touching 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.”

Jack ended his post by saying: “I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.”

Robinson announced the star’s passing in a statement, confirming he was “surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder and other close family and friends.”

“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world,” he added.

Most recently, Perry had starred on the CW drama Riverdale, playing Fred Andrews, the father of Archie Andrews. He was most know, however, for playing Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210.

The famed actor was rushed to the hospital the same day that Fox announced plans for a six-episode 90210 reboot this summer. 

Perry died at the age of 52 on Monday, March 4, less than a week after suffering a massive stroke at his L.A. home.

Funeral arrangements have been made for the star, who is set to be buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in L.A., where several Hollywood A-listers were also laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the Perry family asks that donations be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.