Dame Denise Lewis has written a heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death aged 31.
The heptathlete, 52, is married to Steve Finan, Liam's manager for many years, and is considered by some to be the former One Direction star's “fairy godmother”.
Denise and Steve have been by Liam's side through some of his most difficult times, including his fall with Cheryl, and he often stays at their house as they struggle to keep him sober.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Denise shared a touching tribute to Liam with a collection of photos of the couple over the years.
Denise thanked the late singer for being “so sweet” to her children, adding that she was “loved more than you can imagine.”
Denise Lewis wrote a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic death at the age of 31 and shared a series of photos on Instagram on Tuesday.
The heptathlete, 52, is married to Steve Finan, Liam's manager for many years, and is considered by some to be the former One Direction star's “fairy godmother”.
'Well. Here goes…' She wrote. 'I know it's real, you're not coming back. So here's a toast to you, your true self.
Kind, funny, annoyingly stubborn but more capable than you thought, loved more than you could ever understand.
The dark storms have passed and before you is the sun. You deserve it.'
He added: “Thank you for being so sweet to my kids, the big kid in you always knows what to say to make them smile.” Rest well Bob… Wolvo and the world mourn.'
Speaking to the Mail's Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam's bond: 'Liam adored Denise. She became like a mother to him and really tried to support him.'
In photos shared by Denise, Liam is seen enjoying golf with his family and attending birthday parties.
Denise was seen in a photo posing with singer Rita Ora alongside her daughter Lauren, 22.
Liam He fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, last Wednesday night, before doctors confirmed his death.
Denise and Steve have been by Liam's side through some of his toughest times, including his fight with Cheryl (pictured with Liam and Steve).
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Denise shared a touching tribute to Liam with a collection of photos of the couple over the years.
Liam was seen in a photo posing with Denise's 22-year-old daughter Lauren, alongside singer Rita Ora.
Speaking to the Mail's Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam's bond: 'Liam adored Denise. She became a mother to him and really tried to support him' (pictured with Liam and Steve)
The tribute from his label Universal Music Group read: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.
'His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and adored. “Our deepest condolences to Liam's family and loved ones.”
It was Liam who revealed hours later that the record label had fired him just days before his death.
Originally signed as part of Sony, Vetkaliam signed a deal with Capital in July 2016, when he began his solo career at the age of 22, a label owned by Universal Records.
Liam was said to be “excited” when he signed for Capital.
The label is a subsidiary of Universal, but became part of the main label in the company's recent reorganization.
'Well. Here goes…' Denis wrote. 'I know it's real, you're not coming back. So here's to you, the real you.
Liam fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, last Wednesday night, before doctors confirmed his death.
Universal Music Group posted a photo of Liam Payne on Instagram on Thursday night, saying they were “devastated” by his death.
Meanwhile, Liam's PR resigned earlier this month, leaving him without publicity representation.
Liam's ex-fiancée Maya Henry has quit and launched legal proceedings against the singer after he accused her of repeatedly contacting him.
A source said: “Liam's music career, which he had built since going solo eight years ago, has all but collapsed and left him with very little.”
“It must have been completely destroyed.”
