Patti Smith reads her own goodbye letter to Robert Mapplethorpe

Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe enjoyed a close, often intense relationship that began in 1967 and ended 21 years later, when Robert died some time after being diagnosed with AIDS. In the days preceding his untimely death, Patti wrote her soul mate a letter-a letter which he sadly didn’t get a chance to read.
Watch Patti Smith herself read it at Letters Live at The Town Hall, Manhattan last week.
© Patti Smith

[@ecmcsorley2011]

We lost so many precious young men to AIDS back then.

[@user-no9vz8ve9g]

The world lost a great artist, but Patti Smith lost so much more when he died, what a privilege to hear her read this.

[@jennifermorris6848]

I hope that I have a friend who can say something so beautiful about me on my death bed.

[@CatsJP]

To be loving and kind doesn’t cost a thing…but…it is the richest gift you can give. ❤️❤️

[@davew19904]

Her book Just Kids about their relationship is one of the most beautiful and powerful books I’ve ever read.

[@michellerobertson8966]

Thank you for mentioning this book I just added it to my cart. Looking forward to reading it.

[@jeanhawken4482]

A caring friend. We have done well if we still have a friend.

[@janeancel5085]

This is so touching and so indicative of their long, beautiful friendship.

[@Robert.Sheard]

I came to this series very recently and am enjoying previous ones now. Please let this series continue for years and years.

[@kimwallace5437]

Thank You from your friends and The Universe… Big Daddy Patti Smith

[@ezzy600]

Beautiful letter

[@jimbrown195]

Beautiful.

[@loricrane5315]

I loved that

[@ronturner9850]

Life is full of contrast. It’s what makes it an interesting mystery

[@wesleyharcup6136]

Thanks.stunning. to see our heart. what it is ..was.. to create and love and lose.. fucking brilliant . Thanks!x

[@Ben-Hollingbery]

Oh, my heart

[@PogieJoe]

Gutting and beautiful

[@kimwallace5437]

I embarrass a lot of Good People . Please forgive me.

[@ljr869]

I guess if you don’t have anything good to say about this, TH-cam removes it.

[@richardh8082]

WHY are you here?

[@artzurk5528]

@@richardh8082 clearly they deeply hate to see someone share a profound and moving letter

[@funkymunky]

​@@richardh8082 Let him speak, tyrant.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@ljr869 Out of curiosity, I tapped on your thumbnail. Your comment shows as follows: 'Patti Smith is an elitist burnout and Robert Mapplethorpe was a degenerate.' Maybe you can tap and see your words as well.