Ricki Lake mourns the death of ex-husband Christian Evans on social media

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Ricki Lake has taken to social media to announce the death of her ex-husband, Christian Evans.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share that my beloved soulmate, Christian Evans has passed," the former talk show host wrote on Instagram Tuesday alongside a photo of herself and Evans embracing each other.

"The world didn't understand this man, but I did. He succumbed to his life long struggle with bipolar disorder. For anyone who has ever lost a family member or friend to mental illness, my heart goes out to you," she continued.

"I am a greater person for having known him and spent the past 6 and a half years of my life with him. He was a man of love and what mends my broken heart today is knowing that he is finally at peace and his spirit is free. Rest in peace, my love."

Lake and Evans, a jewelry designer, were engaged in August of 2011 before tying the knot in April of 2012. The pair remained married for two years before Lake filed for divorce in October of 2014 citing irreconcilable differences.

Lake was previously married to Rob Sussman whom she shares sons Milo, 19, and Owen, 15.