Richard Lewis' wife thanks fans for support after comedian's death: 'He would be beyond thrilled'

Joyce Lapinsky also shared ways well wishers can donate to a charity in honor of the comedian.

Richard Lewis' wife, Joyce Lapinsky, is using her late husband's platform to address fan support following his death on Tuesday.

In a social media post on Thursday, Lapinsky introduced herself on Lewis' account, writing, "Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I."

Lapinsky then went on to encourage well wishers to donate to charity in honor of the comedian and actor. "In response to the many queries, I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles based charity Comedy Gives Back, or the charity of your choice," she wrote alongside a link to the nonprofit.

The longtime Curb Your Enthusiasm star died peacefully on Tuesday after having a heart attack, his publicist, Jeff Abraham, confirmed to EW. Abraham added in a statement that Lapinsky "thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time."

In April 2023, Lewis announced his retirement from stand-up and revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years prior.

Lapinsky and Lewis first met at a Ringo Starr album release party in 1998, according to PEOPLE. Lewis said in a 2010 interview with Paul Freeman that after meeting Lapinsky at the party, he told friend Bob Costas, “I met the woman I’m going to marry.”

“I was able to commit to somebody finally," he explained of the serendipitous meeting. "I met the right woman at the right time. There’s a lot of compromise in any relationship. But it’s easier to compromise at 60 than it is at 25."

He continued, “I’ve found peace and serenity. On stage, I still mine my bottomless pit of bad memories. In real life, I’m still crazy, but I’m far happier and more grateful than I’ve ever been. Marriage has a lot to do with that. We have a neurotic relationship that’s, 99 percent of the time, filled with laughter and love.”

The two ultimately dated for seven years before getting engaged in 2004 and tying the knot the following year.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

• Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Cary Elwes and more pay tribute to 'funniest person' Richard Lewis

• Why Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Susie Essman and Cheryl Hines didn’t address Richard Lewis’ death on Watch What Happens Live

• Jamie Lee Curtis credits late costar Richard Lewis with her sobriety: 'I am forever grateful'

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.