Kate Cassidy, girlfriend of the late One Direction singer Liam Payne, has shared an emotional experience of rereading old love letters from Payne. Cassidy detailed her feelings in an Instagram video, describing how the letters bring both sadness and comfort as she navigates her grief.
Payne died in October 2024 at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An investigation later found alcohol and cocaine in his system. Cassidy, an influencer, dated Payne for two years.
During the video, Cassidy explained she was in her basement surrounded by a collection of letters, journals, and books left by Payne. She finds that reading his letters, though sometimes difficult to decipher due to his handwriting, helps her feel connected to him. "I feel like if you've lost somebody, it almost helps to read a letter and think as if they wrote it literally like from heaven and they're giving it to you like today," she said.
She read aloud one letter from Payne, which included messages of support and encouragement: "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. You're not lost at all my love. You're taking the gorgeous road to finding yourself and I can't wait to be there for every speed bump, left and right turn and roundabout. I love you."
Cassidy expressed that she believes Payne is watching over her and that his words motivate her to work harder. She emphasized the importance of writing letters to loved ones. Fans responded to her post with messages of support, encouraging her to cherish the letters.
In previous statements, Cassidy has spoken about the challenges of moving on and finding new love, admitting she compares potential partners to Payne. She described him as "f*****g hot, funny, kind and generous." Cassidy also shared an anecdote about a date where a companion was asked to pay for their own bill, which she found off-putting, contrasting it with Payne's generosity.
Cassidy has been open about her grief process since Payne's death, sharing her feelings on social media. She indicated earlier this year that she was ready to begin dating again, believing Payne would have wanted her to move forward. She has also defended her public expressions of grief, responding to online criticism by stating that Payne was her boyfriend and a significant part of her life. She asserted her intention to continue speaking about him, emphasizing that a person dies twice—once when they pass and again when they are no longer remembered. Cassidy stated that she will not let Payne die a second time and will love him forever. 
