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Chris Cornell's wife pens letter to late singer: 'I know that was not you'

The Soundgarden frontman died of suicide by hanging May 17.

By Annie Martin
Chris Cornell (L) and Vicky Karayiannis attend the Los Angeles premiere of "The Promise" on April 12. Karayiannis said in a post Wednesday that she doesn't blame Cornell for his suicide. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 3 | Chris Cornell (L) and Vicky Karayiannis attend the Los Angeles premiere of "The Promise" on April 12. Karayiannis said in a post Wednesday that she doesn't blame Cornell for his suicide. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

May 25 (UPI) -- Chris Cornell's wife penned an emotional open letter to the late singer this week.

Vicky Karayiannis said Wednesday in a post on Billboard that she doesn't blame the Soundgarden frontman for his suicide.

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To My Sweet Christopher,

You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.

You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn't be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I'm sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I'm sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.

I'm broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.

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I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.

Always and forever, Your Vicky

Cornell died by suicide May 17 at age 52 after performing with Soundgarden the same night. Karayiannis suggested in a statement May 19 that Cornell's suicide was linked to the anxiety medication Ativan.

"When we spoke after the show, I noticed he was slurring his words; he was different. When he told me he may have taken an extra Ativan or two, I contacted security and asked that they check on him," she said.

"What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details. I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life," she insisted.

Cornell and Karayiannis married in 2004, and share 12-year-old daughter Toni and 11-year-old son Christopher. The late singer is also dad to 16-year-old Lillian with ex-wife Susan Silver.

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