Andy Spade says his wife was seeing a doctor for depression for the last five years.
Kate Spade's husband has spoken out for the first time since his wife's death by suicide.
Andy Spade, spouse and business associate of the acclaimed designer for the last 24 years, says his wife had been seeking professional help for her mental health issues.
"She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last five years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety," Andy Spade said in a statement obtained by The New York Times.
Spade's statement went on to stamp out any rumors of what else may have driven his wife to take her own life.
"There was no substance or alcohol abuse," he wrote. "There were no business problems. We loved creating our businesses together. We were co-parenting our beautiful daughter. I have yet to see any note left behind and am appalled that a private message to my daughter has been so heartlessly shared with the media."
The designer was reportedly found dead in her Upper East Side home Tuesday.
The New York City Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Thursday that the cause of death was a suicide by hanging.
Her husband told The Times his wife's death came as a "complete shock."
Together, Andy and Kate founded the Kate Spade brand, which rose to prominence in the '90s with its vibrant line of handbags. The accessories later extended to clothing, eyewear and bedding.
They sold their shares of Kate Spade New York in 2006. A decade later, they started a new company, Frances Valentine, which focused on shoes and handbags.
Kate Spade New York has more than 140 retail shops and outlet stores in America and more than 175 shops overseas, according to The Associated Press.
Also speaking out about the tragedy was actor and comedian David Spade, who is Andy Spade's brother.
"Katy at my book signing," he wrote on Twitter Wednesday along with a photo of his sister-in-law. "I love this pic of her. So pretty I dont think everyone knew how f***ing funny she was..."
Spade ended his tweet with an emotional plea to anyone who might find themselves suffering as his sister-in-law must have been.
"Its a rough world out there people," he said. "Try to hang on."
Spade's niece, "The Marvelous Miss Maisel" star Rachel Brosnahan, was also among those paying tribute to the fashion maven.
"She had a light that words can’t capture but touched everyone she came into contact with," Brosnahan wrote on Instagram alongside a video of the designer dancing with Andy Spade. "She was exceedingly kind, beautifully sensitive, insanely talented, funny as heck and one of the most generous people I have ever known."
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline day or night at 1-800-273-8255.
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