Ruth Gibbins, the sister of late One Direction singer Liam Payne, posted an emotional Instagram Story on Monday reflecting on her grief and memories of Payne and his eight-year-old son, Bear.
Gibbins wrote that Payne "should be here" for everyday moments — "laughing at our kids' poses for start of school and marvelling at how big they are now, playing darts with your friends, sharing and getting excited for your new music." She said the absence left "the loudest" silence in her life and added, "I feel sorry for anyone who understands this feeling." Gibbins has a son, Ashton, who is seven.
Her post included a 2015 photo of Payne smoking on a plane, which she said had resurfaced on her social media and brought back memories. Gibbins recalled that the image had provoked backlash at the time and said it remains one of her favourite photos of him.
Payne, 31, died in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The singer's death prompted public and private tributes from family, friends and former partners.
Last week Payne's family marked what would have been his 32nd birthday with a visit to a local bowling alley — the same spot where they celebrated together the previous year. Nicola Payne, another sister, posted that "a year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you," and described that night's celebration of Payne's plans and dreams. Nicola said the family ended the evening with a hug and paid tribute to wanting more time to say the things they now wish they had.
Gibbins also paid tribute on the singer's birthday, writing that she wished she could "step into a time machine" to relive the last night with him and promising to wish him a "happy heavenly birthday. Wherever you are, I hope you're celebrating and hopefully you've scored a few strikes too. Love you always."
Payne's girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy, posted video of herself making a birthday cake, visibly emotional as she blew out a candle and shared a slice with the couple's dog, Nala. Cassidy posted a montage of memories and 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." Fans responded with messages of support in the comments.
Cheryl, Payne's former partner and the mother of Bear, has returned to the public eye since his death, appearing in a new campaign for skincare brand Nivea. A short clip released on social media showed Cheryl entering a studio and referenced lyrics from her 2019 song "Fight For This Love" alongside the date "August 2025," with an on-screen message reading "A New Era, Tomorrow." The campaign's caption echoed a phrase Cheryl used during her time as an X Factor judge.
Cheryl, 42, had stepped back from performing after a Girls Aloud tour that took place in May, several months before Payne's death in October. Family posts and tributes in the weeks since have been largely private, with relatives and close friends sharing memories and photos on social media as they continue to mourn.
Gibbins's Instagram reflections follow months of mourning for the singer and ongoing public interest in how his family and loved ones remember him. The posts underline a family grappling with loss while attempting to preserve moments and milestones for Payne's young son.