Actress Denise Richards has broken her silence following the sudden death of her former partner, actor Patrick Muldoon, sharing an emotional tribute that reveals their decades-long bond transcended their romantic past.
Muldoon, best known for his roles on "Days of Our Lives" and "Melrose Place," died on April 19 at age 57. His sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, confirmed to TMZ that the cause was a sudden heart attack.
Richards, who dated Muldoon in the 1990s, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram two days later, accompanied by nostalgic photos and videos.
"This is so hard for me to put into words," she wrote. "I am deeply heartbroken & devastated losing you. You were my best friend & my family."
She recounted meeting him in their first acting class when she was 19 and he was 21, a student at USC with a recurring role on "Who's the Boss."
"And here we are. 36 years later. My whole adult life & I don't know it without you," Richards continued. "The friendship, love, support, respect & loyalty we had was unconditional and rare."
Describing him as someone who "lit up every room," she praised his talent, humility, and infectious personality.
"You are larger than life & Everyone was drawn to you. So talented & most underrated actor. And most humble. Everything you did was infectious. Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion, and your zest for life."
The 55-year-old actress, a mother of three, revealed Muldoon had been her steadfast support through difficult times.
"We've been each other's rock," she explained. "Our memories together are endless. You've had my back and protected me more than anyone. I don't know what I'm going to do without you here. You're my voice of reason & pillar of strength."
She concluded with a poignant farewell: "We thought we'd live forever or at least into our 90's. Schweetbabe I will be looking for those signs. I need to know you're still here with me. I love you so much & miss you dearly schweetbabe."
Richards' daughter, Lola Sheen, 20, also shared a tribute, expressing gratitude for witnessing her mother's profound friendship with Muldoon.
"When I think of my mom I think of you," Lola wrote on Instagram. "You guys came as a package and I'm so thankful I got to know you and witness a friendship so pure and special in front of my eyes."
She added, "I always begged my mom I'm sure she told you that you guys would end up back together haha, but I guess staying best friends was better anyways."
Muldoon's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and fans, with "I Dream of Jeannie" star Barbara Eden also speaking out about the loss of her former costar.