Kerry Katona has shared a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne and admitted his death ‘triggered’ her (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Kerry Katona has shared a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne following the shocking news of the singer’s death. Liam tragically passed away aged 31 on Wednesday 17 October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Former Atomic Kitten star Kerry admits the death has not only left her emotional, but reminded Kerry of her late husband, George Kay’s death following a drug overdose in 2019. After having to tell their daughter, DJ, of George’s passing, Kerry knows all too well what Liam’s ex Cheryl will be going through with their son, Bear. Kerry said: “I was absolutely heartbroken when I read the shocking news of Liam Payne’s death last Wednesday night. I am sending so much love to his family and friends – they must be going through the worst pain.
Kerry explained that she can relate to what Cheryl is going through with her son Bear, who she shared with Liam
(Image: Getty Images)
“It has been really triggering for me because the circumstances are so similar to when my late husband George [Kay] died in 2019. Listening to the news and the hotel staff’s calls to the police brought it all back. It was really similar to the calls they made about George – and that’s something that never leaves you. “I never met Liam but I cried my eyes out at the news because I know exactly what his ex, Cheryl, is going through and how it feels to tell your child their father is dead. I’ll never forget the day I had to tell DJ – it’s one of the most horrible experiences you can ever go through. “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t look at DJ and wonder what George would think of her and I know Cheryl will have that same weight to carry. You need to be strong for your children and that is so hard. “I’ve met Cheryl a few times and she’s always been so lovely – it will be an awful time for her, for Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and for everyone who knew him. I just hope they have strong support systems because you need so much support when something like this happens – you need people to keep you going.” Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Bear is now seven, with Kerry detailing the pain of telling your child a parent has passed
(Image: Instagram)
Detailing the impact George’s loss has had, Kerry continued: “I wasn’t even in a romantic relationship with George when he died and I was a mess. I had a mini breakdown. Now, it’s been five years but this news has triggered me again, so it’s something that never really goes away. You just learn how to live with it. DJ was five at the time and Liam’s son Bear is seven, so the parallels have really upset me – I can just relate to it all so much. “When I heard the news, I just held DJ tightly in my arms in bed. All my kids have been really upset – they grew up with One Direction and Liam was part of their childhood, so it’s been really difficult for them to hear. When I came out of the Big Brother house in 2011, they actually played What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction – it was such a memorable moment for me. They were a brilliant band and did so well – Liam was an amazing musician who was taken far too soon.
Kerry’s husband George passed in 2019
(Image: Kerry Katona/Twitter)
Kerry concluded: “Liam struggled with his mental health and it’s such a common thing in this industry, which is awful. Sometimes people think you’re fair game when you’re in the public eye, to be spoken about and put down, but we’re not. “We are real people with feelings. No one can be blamed for a tragedy like this and no one should be – it’s just so sad. I know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my kids and it does make you think, “That could have been me.” I’m sending strength and light to everyone affected. Rest in peace, Liam.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnBig BrotherOne DirectionCherylKerry KatonaLiam Payne
