Kate Cassidy Shares Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Liam Payne 10 Months Posthumously

Kate Cassidy continues to keep Liam Payne’s memory alive.

The 25-year-old influencer honored her late boyfriend on what would have been his 32nd birthday, sharing a tribute across Instagram on August 29.

“8.29.93. A special day for the most special soul. I miss you so much,” Kate wrote alongside a series of clips featuring the One Direction alum. “Happy Birthday Liam. I wish we could celebrate together. In the next life I guess❤️.” Among the videos was a tender moment in which Payne films Kate and calls her “a snapshot of the woman I love.”

Payne died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His passing shocked fans worldwide and devastated those closest to him, including Kate, who had been dating him for two years.

In a separate post, Kate shared a longer letter addressed to Liam. “My dearest Liam, It breaks my heart being that I can’t hand you a physical birthday card today. That I can’t hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish I’d said a thousand more times,” she began. “I’ve been struggling to find the right words, but I’ll start with the most obvious, happy birthday. Today, you would have been 32. In your 31 years here on this earth you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many- especially to me.”

A post shared by Kate Cassidy (@kateecass)

She continued, “I hope you know how brightly you still shine, even from up there. I would give up years of my life just to give you a few more. I miss making memories with you. I miss having things to look forward to together.” Cassidy went on to promise her strength in his honor: “My birthday gift to you is my strength. I promise you I will celebrate you extra today, honor your life, and cherish the beautiful times we’ve had. August 29th will be a date that sits in my heart for the rest of my life. I love you so much. Yours, Katelyn.”

Kate has shared glimpses of her grieving process since Liam’s passing, often opening up about how deeply she feels his absence. Back in June, she reflected, “8 months ago today, I lost my best friend and someone I thought I had so much more time and life left to share with.” She remembered him as “the kind of person you’d start missing the moment you walked out the door,” adding that life without him has felt both impossibly slow and far too fast.

Payne’s funeral was held on November 20, with family, friends, and former bandmates in attendance, as well as his ex Cheryl, the mother of his 8-year-old son, Bear.

For Kate, the milestones continue to be difficult, but she remains committed to honoring Liam’s life publicly and privately. As she wrote in June, “One day, I’ll see you again, and I’ll have so much to tell you. So much to catch up on.”