Jason Priestley’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Luke Perry: ‘Goodnight Sweet Prince’

Days after Luke Perry's death at 52, his “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Jason Priestley is breaking his silence.

On Thursday morning, Priestley, 49, wrote on Instagram, “It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this. My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared… Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon… and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today.”

He continued, “If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well. The candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long… you burned oh, so brightly Luke… Goodnight Sweet Prince.”

On the same day, Tiffani Amber Thiessen wrote on Instagram, "My heart has been weighing heavy. The loss of a man who started as my co-star but quickly became my friend. He welcomed me on my very first day of #90210 with open arms... I was coming in to a show, a family really, that had been together for over 4 years. But this man took me under his wing and made me feel at home. Made me feel like I belonged in his TV family."

"He was sincere, sweet, warm, kind, professional and funny as all heck. And most of all, the definition of a gentleman. Luke, our world has a hole in it now that you aren't here. But heaven definitely gained you as an angel. #RIP," Tiffani shared.

Earlier this week, the other main cast members of the show — Ian Ziering, 54; Jennie Garth, 46; Tori Spelling, 45; Shannen Doherty, 47; and Gabrielle Carteris, 58 — mourned his death.

Shannen, who played Perry's love interest on the show, told People magazine, “I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend. I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind… Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often. They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment.”

Tori told the publication, “I'm in utter shock and heartbroken… I'm saddened for his kids whom he adored beyond words. He was so proud of Jack and Sophie.”

Jennie added, “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”

In a statement, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris said, "I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many."

Ian was the first person to pay tribute, tweeting, “Dearest Luke, I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years. May your journey forward be enriched by the magnificent souls who have passed before you, just like you have done here, for those you leave behind.”