Bethenny Frankel is finding it "hard to breathe" after losing her former on-off boyfriend Dennis Shields.
The 51-year-old banker – whom Bethenny started seeing in 2016 – was found dead in his Trump Tower apartment earlier this month after reportedly suffering from an overdose, and the 47-year-old star admits it has been "excruciating" not being able to have closure after his "sudden" passing.
Thanking her fans for their continued "support", Bethenny tweeted on Sunday (26.08.18): "It’s hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so. It’s excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it’s painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo (sic)"
The ‘Real Housewives of New York’ star previously took to Instagram to post a tribute to her late ex-lover.
Posting a picture of Dennis laying on a bed with her beloved dog Cookie – who passed away in October last year at the age of 17 – Bethenny wrote: "Rest In Peace my sweet babies who gave me endless unconditional love. #nowandforever (sic)"
And a source later claimed that Bethenny – who was not in a relationship with Dennis at the time of his death – has been left "devastated" by the news.
They said: "She is devastated. She loved him. He was her family and [her eight-year-old daughter] Bryn’s family. Bryn loved him. Dennis was Bethenny’s partner, her family, her business partner and her best friend.
"He helped her with things – emotionally and professionally, and he was her confidante. No question that she did love this guy."
Bethenny began dating Dennis three years after filing for divorce from ex-husband Jason Hoppy, with whom she has eight-year-old daughter Bryn.
The pair endured many break-ups and make-ups – most of which were documented on ‘The Real Housewives of New York’ – but remained close even when they weren’t together.
A source previously said: "Bethenny and her daughter Bryn love Dennis and his family and they have been a support system during her negative divorce and a positive influence in Bryn’s life.
"They had a 27-year friendship before they dated so they picked that up where they left off once they realised they didn’t work as a couple. Her daughter adores him and his family, and she comes first above all."
Bethenny Frankel reveals grief struggle after ex-lover Dennis Shields’ death
