Kate and Andy Spade Were Trying to Work Things Out Before Her Death, Says Best Friend Elyce Arons

Published: June 3, 2025

Seven years after the death of Kate Spade, her best friend Elyce Arons has written a poignant memoir revealing the woman behind the chic handbag line that became a nineties phenomenon. In her new book, We Might Just Make It After All, she tells the story of their beautiful friendship and the business they built together. The book reveals the private "Katy," as Arons called her, who was such a private person in so many ways that people didn't really know her. When she died by suicide in her Park Avenue apartment at age 55, Spade left behind husband Andy Spade and their daughter Frances Beatrix, then 13.

For more on Kate and Elyce and their friendship, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

At the time, Kate and Andy were living apart but not legally separated. "They were trying to work things out — and they were always in each other's lives every day," Arons says. "They loved each other."

The couple, who were married for 24 years, were part of a very close foursome that created the now-iconic Kate Spade line, along with Arons and Pamela Bell. (Years after they sold the company, Elyce and Kate went on to launch the accessories and clothing line, Frances Valentine, in 2016).

After his wife's death, Andy released a statement addressing his wife's passing and revealed they'd been living apart for 10 months. "We were not legally separated, and never even discussed divorce," he said at the time. "We were best friends trying to work through our problems in the best way we knew how. We were together for 35 years. We loved each other very much and simply needed a break."

Now seven years after her death, We Just Might Make It After All is a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion for those who live with depression and other mental illnesses. "She never shared with me that she was diagnosed with anything. I think it's stigma-related," says Arons. "And because she was private, she probably felt that even more so. She would just use the word sad."

"My hope is that it's much less stigmatized today," says Aron, who has designed a special edition Frances Valentine tote "with purpose and heart" to support Hope for Depression. (100 percent of the proceeds from the tote will go to the organization). "I love the organization because they are working on research and getting a diagnosis," she says. "I think bringing it to light is helpful instead of hiding it."

As she writes in her memoir's closing chapter, "All of us who loved her have had to find a way to make peace with her incomprehensible choice. It's not been easy. I've learned to never take the people whom I care about for granted. As I tell my closest friends: go to your sister or your best girlfriends who's just like a sister to you. Go to her today and hug her so hard that it's like you won't ever let her go."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade by Elyce Arons is one sale June 17 and available for preorder, wherever books are sold.

For more on Kate Spade and her inspiring story, check out the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

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