Rest in peace, Christian Evans.

Ricki Lake‘s ex-husband has sadly died after battling bipolar disorder, the star confirmed in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share that my beloved soulmate, Christian Evans, has passed,” the 48-year-old actress captioned a sweet photo of herself with her late love.

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“The world didn’t understand this man, but I did. He succumbed to his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder. For anyone who has ever lost a family member or friend to mental illness, my heart goes out to you,” Ricki continued. “I am a greater person for having known him and spent the past six and a half years of my life with him. He was a man of love and what mends my broken heart today is knowing that he is finally at peace and his spirit is free. Rest in peace, my love.”

ricki lake and christian evans

Ricki and Christian in January 2011.

Ricki was married to Christian for two years from 2012 until 2015. The TV star started dating the jewelry designer back in 2009, got engaged in August 2011, and eloped just eight months later in April 2012.

In October 2014, Ricki and Christian split and The Ricki Lake Show star filed for divorce — citing irreconcilable differences — one week later.

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Ricki’s marriage to Christian was her second. The actress was previously hitched to illustrator-bartender Rob Sussman for 10 years from 1994 until 2004. The former couple have two sons — Milo Sebastian Sussman, 19, and Owen Tyler Sussman, 15 — together.

ricki lake christian evans getty images

Christian and Ricki in November 2011.

After meeting Christian, Ricki gushed to People about her new boyfriend — and revealed she was “totally in love!”

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“We’re having so much fun. I’m happier than I’ve ever been,” she said at the time. “He’s a normal guy. We met through my best friend. His name is Christian. He’s a nobody but he’s somebody to me. He’s everything to me.”

“I’ve never been treated like this in my life. My [sons] love him. My little one said the other day ‘Are you gonna marry him? I want you to marry him but it’ll be weird going to my parents’ wedding,'” Ricki added.

Our thoughts are with Ricki and her family during this difficult time.