Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell died last week at age 52. A medical examiner ruled his death a suicide, but Cornell’s wife Vicky Cornell has pushed back against that judgement, suggesting her husband’s actions may not have been “intentional,” but instead influenced by an overdose of prescription anxiety medication.
Today, Vicky Cornell shared, via Billboard, an emotional letter to her late husband, calling the couple “soulmates” and promising “to fight for you.” Of Chris’ death, Vicky writes, “I’m sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.” Here is the full letter:
To My Sweet Christopher,
You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.
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You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn’t be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I’m sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I’m sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.
I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.
I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.
Always and forever,
Your Vicky
Cornell’s funeral will take place this Friday in Los Angeles. Revisit 25 years’ worth of Cornell’s SPIN interviews and features here.
