Alan Thicke's wife, Tanya Thicke, has broken her media silence on the Growing Pains star's death from a heart attack on December 13.

"It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time," Tanya said in a statement to US on December 20.

"Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke. Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning."

In lieu of flowers, Tanya requested donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Alan Thicke and the model, then Tanya Callau, married on May 7, 2005 in Cabo San Lucus, Mexico. Alan had three sons from his two previous marriages, singer Robin Thicke, Brennan and Carter, who was playing hockey with his father when he had the heart attack.

Carter shared his own grief on social media on the day of Alan's death.

"Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time."

 

Celebrities Who Died in 2016

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