Read Peter Cornell's statement
Chris Cornell's wife, Vicky, shared an open letter she wrote to her husband following the Soundgarden frontman's unexpected death via Billboard.
Read the moving letter in its entirety:
"FRIENDS,
It's been hard to put the words together. My heart is broken. Chris was always my brother. We simply "were." No pretending. No showing off. We didn't have to delve into long conversations all the time. Sometimes it was enough to be in the same room and be present. That was enough.
Until this week I hadn't realized how much he belonged to the world. That he was an icon and a legend. That being said, I feel so sorry for YOU and for your loss. Artists, actors, musicians. We need these people to lift us up. To inspire us and distract us in difficult times. Chris protected us when we needed him. His kindness surrounded us like armor. He was a warrior and a magician. A howling wolf and mentor we could trust.
My brother freely donated his skills, and it was never a struggle. He stayed away from the saturation of celebrity in such a humble way. My brother's power, anger, and passion for music were always genuine, original, and legitimate. He was a powerful, sensitive, fragile, brave, mystical guy who will forever exist in the legacy he left behind.
And he did it for ALL of us. Giving. Leaving on stage or on records that will keep him immortal. I will never come to terms with his death. I've been in shock since I heard the news. I can't and won't let him go.
Please know, with all the humility I can muster from my shattered heart, I THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your kindness and condolences. THANK YOU for reaching out to me through your tears.
Keep your siblings close to you. Much love.
Peter Cornell.