Kate Cassidy honors late boyfriend Liam Payne with emotional birthday tribute

Kate Cassidy shares emotional tribute to Liam Payne on his 32nd birthday, 10 months after his tragic death.

Kate Cassidy has shared a deeply emotional tribute to her late boyfriend Liam Payne on what would have been his 32nd birthday, nearly 10 months after the former One Direction singer’s tragic death. Payne passed away on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On Friday, August 29, Cassidy posted a heartfelt message on social media in honor of Payne, describing him as “the most special soul.” In one Instagram Story, she wrote, “8.29.93. A special day for the most special soul. I miss you so much. Happy Birthday Liam. I wish we could celebrate together. In the next life I guess❤️.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kate Cassidy (@kateecass)

In a longer tribute, Cassidy reflected on the pain of celebrating the day without him. “It breaks my heart being that I can’t hand you a physical birthday card today. That I can’t hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish I’d said a thousand more times,” she wrote. “In your 31 years here on this earth, you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many—especially to me.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kate Cassidy (@kateecass)

Cassidy, who was in a relationship with Payne for two years, has been candid about her grieving process, frequently sharing moments of reflection with her followers since his death. She added that her “birthday gift” to Payne was her strength and promised to honor his memory each year on his birthday.

Meanwhile, Payne’s ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he shares an 8-year-old son named Bear, has slowly begun re-emerging in the public eye. Recently, she appeared in a new Nivea skincare campaign, teasing a “new era” with a short promotional video that referenced her past work and music career. Cheryl, 42, had largely stepped back from the spotlight following Payne’s death but is now reportedly in advanced discussions to return as a judge on the upcoming season of The Voice.

Cheryl previously issued a public statement following Payne’s passing, expressing her grief and calling for privacy and compassion for their son Bear as he grows up without his father.