Kaia Gerber Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Brother Presley
Model Kaia Gerber has publicly honored her older brother, Presley, for the first time since his death, sharing a deeply emotional letter detailing her grief.
Kaia Gerber has shared a poignant tribute to her older brother, Presley, who died on September 20. The model penned a four-page handwritten letter, expressing the profound depth of her grief and her love for her late sibling.
"Prez, I don't have the words," Kaia began her letter. "How naive of me to believe that language could transcend grief. I've read all of the books and I have none of the answers. My articulation is no match against this, the magnitude of losing you. I am, quite literally, down on my f***ing knees."
Presley, who was 27, died of a suspected overdose after going into cardiac arrest while staying at the Resolutions Living rehab facility in Santa Monica. He had been open about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction in recent years.
Kaia reflected on a world without her brother, writing, "You know how much I loved being your sister. It has always been, and will forever be, my favorite thing about myself. I came into this world with a white-knuckle grip around you. I had more love for you than I knew what to do with. And now that it has nowhere obvious to go, I'm certain it's going to swallow me whole."
She further described her brother as her "ultimate teacher" and recalled childhood memories, including how Presley went first when she was scared to get her ears pierced. "You always went first. But when I held the earring they took from your body, all I could think was: that belongs to you. And I really f***ing wish you hadn't gone first this time," Kaia wrote.
Her letter concluded with loving affirmations: "My best buddy, my great protector, the hardest I've ever laughed and the one true love of my life - you lit all of my candles and took all of my monsters away. And I love you. And I love you. And I love you. Only you know how much. Thank you for being here."
Earlier, Presley's parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, had issued a joint statement expressing their devastation. "We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years. He is a sweet, beautiful soul who loved and is loved, now and forever. We are so proud of how he showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability," they stated.
The family acknowledged the outpouring of support, adding, "Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia."
Reports indicate that Presley was seen giving a tour of the sober home he had been staying at the night before his death, appearing to be under the influence. Insiders claim he reportedly used drugs after being admitted to the facility as a temporary measure before a planned move to rehab. The Medical Examiner's toxicology report is expected to provide further details on the substances involved in his death.
Presley's remains were cremated days after his passing, with his ashes to be kept at his parents' residence. He had previously spoken openly about his decade-long battle with addiction and mental health issues, including sharing his journey with ibogaine treatment earlier in the year. His parents and sister had praised his courage in facing his struggles.