Charo breaks her silence on her husband’s death.
As we reported, on Monday, Kjell Rasten died by suicide after allegedly shooting himself in the head inside his and his wife’s Beverly Hills home.
On Tuesday, the Spanish American actress released a statement to ET about the 79-year-old, saying he suffered a horrible skin disease, Bullous Pemphigoid, before his passing.
The 68-year-old revealed:
“Yesterday, Kjell, My husband of 40 years and the love of my life killed himself. There are no words to describe what we are feeling now. He was an amazing man, a great husband and the best father I could imagine to our son. He dedicated his life to loving and supporting his family. In recent years, his health began to decline and he developed a rare and horrible skin disease called Bullous Pemphigoid. He also became very depressed. That, along with the many medications he needed to take, became too much for him, and he ended his suffering. None of us had any idea this could happen to such a wonderful, kind and generous man. Please, if anyone you know and love is suffering from depression or illness, hold them close, tell them you love them with all your heart and that the world is better because they are in it. Get any help you can. Suicide is not the answer.”
The flamenco guitarist concluded:
“Thank you all so much for you love and concern. Thank you.”
According to a spokesperson for the Beverly Hills Police Department, the TV producer “succumbed to his injuries” shortly after 1:00 p.m.
Additionally, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has ruled Rasten’s death a suicide.
The couple married in 1978, and welcomed son, Shel, in 1981.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
[Image via ABC/DJDM/WENN.]