One of Luke Perry‘s closest and longtime friends is speaking out days after the actor’s passing.
On Thursday, Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Jason Priestley shared a heartbreaking message with fans about his beloved partner-in-crime. Die-hards of the teen drama remember the 49-year-old actor and Perry as the dynamic duo of Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay on the FOX drama.
As we wrote, Perry passed away on Monday after he failed to recover from a massive stroke the week prior. The actor was kept under close observation, but never got better.
Related: ‘Riverdale’ Dedicates The Rest Of Its Run To The Memory Of Luke Perry
More than just pals on the show, these two were the closest of friends in real life for almost 30 years — which is why it admittedly took Priestley a little while longer than some to break their silence.
See the touching #TBT Instagram post of Jason and Luke (below):
The actor’s caption reads:
“It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this… My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared… Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon… and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today… If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well… the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long… you burned oh, so brightly Luke… Goodnight Sweet Prince.”
Ugh.
We love hearing stories about how great of a human being Luke was, but at the time it reminds us that there will truly never be another guy like him.
We know countless other celebrities who’ve already shared tributes to the thespian feel the same.
Related: Tori Spelling & Shannen Doherty Are Heartbroken Over The Death Of Luke
While Hollywood continues to mourn the loss of one of its best, our thoughts and prayers remain with Luke’s kids Sophia, 18 and Jack, 21, who he shared with ex-wife Rachel “Minnie” Sharp.
Both children took to social media to remember their dear dad, who supported them in every way possible.
A source spoke to Us Weekly before Luke’s death and reiterated that family was everything to him:
“He’s a wonderful man with a very close-knit family.”
You could often find the Riverdale actor in the stands of wrestling matches cheering on his son, who wrestles professionally under the name “Jungle Boy,” or just soaking up precious family time whenever he could.
Perry previously told the publication about spending time with them at their farm in Tennessee:
“I just like it there. I like to fish with my kids. And we have animals there. I love the cows. And I love the quiet time in the woods. I’m a country boy at heart.”
We hope you’re resting easy now, Luke. R.I.P.
[Image via WENN]