"They were the happiest years of my life." Luke Perry's fiancée shares an emotional message.

Luke Perry’s fiancée is fiercely private. They both were. So much so, we didn’t even know they were in a relationship and engaged to be married, until he died.

When the 90210 and Riverdale actor died on March 4 aged 52 after suffering a massive stroke, his publicist released a statement mentioning that Wendy Madison Bauer – identified as Luke’s fiancée – was by his side.

She was joined by his ex-wife Minnie Sharp, children Sophie and Jack, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, sister Amy Coder and brother Tom Perry.

Sidenote: here is some more information on stroke. Post continues after video.

Wendy, 44, has now also released a statement.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support,” said the statement obtained by People magazine.

“The countless heartwarming stories of Luke’s generosity and kindness have been a great source of solace during this difficult time.

“The past 11 1/2 years with Luke were the happiest of my life, and I am grateful to have had this time with him. I also want to think his children, family, and friends for their love and support.

“We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed,” she added.

Wendy is a marriage and family therapist based in Beverly Hills, and her practice also focuses on grief counselling.

Previously, she worked in entertainment for 12 years, and scored small roles in House and The Mentalist.

It's not known when the couple were engaged, and their only known public event together was when they walked the GLAAD Media Awards red carpet in April 2017.

Longtime friend of Luke, Patricia Arquette, gave some insight into the private couple. "His joy was being a father to kids Sophie and Jack, and he had found true happiness and joy with his great love, Madison," she told People magazine.

Perry was married to Minnie for 13 years, before their amicable divorce in 2003. Their children Sophie, 18, and Jack, 21, have both shared touching tributes to their father.

"A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything has happened so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with family and the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support," wrote Sophie.

 

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A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I. I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.

A post shared by Sophie Perry (@lemonperry) on Mar 5, 2019 at 11:57am PST

"He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad," wrote Jack.

 

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He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad. He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be. I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for. I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth. I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.

A post shared by Jungle Boy • Jack Perry (@boy_myth_legend) on Mar 6, 2019 at 12:03pm PST

Perry's family are gathering donations for Fight Colorectal cancer at St Jude's Children's hospital.

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