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Celebrities are paying tribute to Liam Payne after the former One Direction bandmate died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 16 at age 31.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne's family wrote in an official statement shared with BBC. "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
After the news was made public, One Direction fans gathered in Buenos Aires to mourn and Payne's friends, musical collaborators, and fellow stars have taken to social media to share their shock and sorrow at his passing. Below, see a roundup of the heartbreaking tributes from those who knew and loved Liam Payne.
Charlie Puth
Musician Charlie Puth shared a photo of himself and Payne to his Instagram grid and also posted an Instagram Story, writing, “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not [sic] believe he is gone.” Puth also shared a video snippet of the two together, saying, “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace," as well as an interview of Payne talking about collaborating. Puth co-wrote one of Payne's most successful solo records, “Bedroom Floor.”
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Rita Ora
Rita Ora, who had a 2018 song with Payne titled “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)," shared a carousel of photos of she and Payne together to Instagram. “I’m devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget," she wrote in his memory. "I loved working with him so much — he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P 🕊️"
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Maggie Rogers
Singer Maggie Rogers played an acoustic piano cover of 1D's “Night Changes” as a tribute to Payne during the Boston stop of her Don't Forget Me Tour on October 17.
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Cher Lloyd
The singer, who also competed on The X Factor, posted a black-and-white photo of herself and Payne and shared her grief. “From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams,” she wrote. “I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
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Camila Cabello
Cabello took to Instagram Stories to share her condolences. “Thank you Liam for all the joy you brought my friends and I,” she wrote. “It really made an impression as a young girl to meet a member of a group I loved, and have him be so kind. It's a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.”
*NYSNC
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Liam Payne,” the fivesome wrote on Instagram Stories. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.” The statement was signed by all five members of the boyband.
Zedd
Another collaborator of Payne's, electronic music artist Zedd, posted on X: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking …” Zedd worked with Payne on the 2017 song “Get Low."
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Ty Dolla $ign
R&B artist and rapper Ty Dolla $ign paid tribute to Payne on Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of the musician smiling at the camera. “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio,” he wrote alongside broken heart emojis.
Quavo
Quavo, who worked with Payne on his debut solo single “Strip That Down,” shared a black and white photo of the singer to Instagram Stories, writing simply, “Rest In Paradise.”
Backstreet Boys
The beloved boy band posted a message across socials in honor of Payne, writing: “Words cannot express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat. Our hearts go out to Liam's family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
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AJ McLean
The Backstreet Boys singer, who was set to work with Payne on Netflix's Building the Band, shared a tribute alongside a photo of the two together.
“Words cannot begin to express the pain I have for this man and the great loss we have endured! We became very close almost immediately and shared so many stories, laughs, and life experiences,” McLean wrote. “Gone too soon my friend. You were such a light an incredible person to be in the presence of daily while we worked together! I cannot believe you are gone. Keep shining and keep singing for us all to hear.”
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Anne Twist
Harry Styles's mother Anne paid tribute to her son's former bandmate, sharing a broken heart emoji against a black background on her Instagram, writing, “Just a boy … 💔.”
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Juicy J
Rapper Juicy J shared his condolences on X, writing, "R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can't believe it prayers up for the family."
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Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton also took to X to share her sorrow. "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing," she wrote. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
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Dan Richards
Richards, who played guitar with One Direction, shared a few words in memory of Payne on his Instagram Stories. “This all feels so surreal. Thanks to everyone reaching out, still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liams [sic] family at this time."
Dermot O'Leary and The X Factor
The former host of The X Factor paid tribute to Payne with a black and white photo of the two together on the show. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” O'Leary wrote. “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”
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The official X Factor account also shared a message on X, writing: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
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E.L. James
The Fifty Shades author sent her sympathies to Payne's family; the musician was featured on the soundtrack to the third movie, Fifty Shades Freed, with Rita Ora. “I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne," she wrote. "I can barely believe it. Sincere condolences to his family. 💔”
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Flavor Flav
The rapper and television personality called Payne “much too young” and sent sympathies via X.
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Corbyn Besson
The former Why Don't We musician posted a throwback photo with Payne, writing, “Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. You really never know when it’s your time to go. Remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
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Jedward
The twin musicians, who appeared on The X Factor several years after Payne and the rest of the 1D bandmates, wrote, “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family [sic].”
