Ricki Lake's ex-husband Christian Evans has died. In an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, Ricki paid tribute to her former partner, who had battled with bipolar disorder. "It is with a heavy heart that I share that my beloved soulmate, Christian Evans, has passed," wrote the 48-year-old TV star, who was married to Christian from 2012 until 2015. "The world didn't understand this man, but I did. He succumbed to his life long struggle with bipolar disorder."
She continued: "For anyone who has ever lost a family member or friend to mental illness, my heart goes out to you. 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." Alongside the photo of the couple together, Ricki concluded: "Rest in peace my love."
Ricki and Christian got engaged in August 2011 and eloped on 8 April 2012. They eventually separated in October 2014 and filed for divorce one week later, citing irreconcilable differences. Ricki previously opened up about her romance with Christian, a jewellery designer, in an interview with People. Confirming that they had started dating in the summer of 2010, she described Christian as a "normal guy". She added: "We met through my best friend. He's a nobody, but he's somebody to me. He's everything to me." Ricki was previously married to Rob Sussman. Together they share sons Milo, 19, and 15-year-old Owen.