In a heartfelt social media post, Katy Perry mourned the loss of her manager, Martin Kirkup, who passed away at 76. The 39-year-old singer shared photos and a touching tribute, despite knowing Martin didn’t care for social media. She expressed how difficult it was to post about his passing, saying it made the loss feel final.

Katy described Martin as a vital figure in her career, someone who championed her for nearly 20 years. He was known for his wit, leadership, and dedication to his team at Direct Management. Even in his final days, he listened to some of her new music, which made him happy and excited for the future.

Katy reflected on their bond, saying, “We didn’t get to physically say goodbye, but I know he knows how much respect and admiration I have for him.” Martin is survived by his wife Lale, daughter Melisa, son John, and three grandchildren.

In other news, Katy announced her departure from American Idol after six years to focus on new music, hinting at an exciting year ahead for her fans.