Charo breaks silence on husband's suicide at 79: 'There are no words'

Charo is mourning the shocking loss of her husband.

Following reports that her husband, Kjell Rasten, had committed suicide on Monday at the age of 79, his wife of 40 years confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram post.

"Yesterday, Kjell, My husband of forty years and the love of my life killed himself," she started. "There are no words to describe what we are feeling now. He was an amazing man, a great husband and the best father I could imagine to our son. He dedicated his life to loving and supporting his family."

SEE ALSO: Charo's husband dead at 79 after apparent suicide

Charo, 68, and Rasten, who wed in 1978, share son, Shel, 37.

"In recent years, his health began to decline and he developed a rare and horrible skin disease called Bullous Pemphigoid. He also became very depressed," Charo went on. "That along with the many medications he needed to take, became too much for him, and he ended his suffering."

Initial reports of his suicide said that he shot himself using a semi-automatic pistol in the couple's Beverly Hills home around 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Charo was home at the time, and she was seen "inconsolable" and "covered in blood" outside of their home as first responders arrived on the scene. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"None of us had any idea this could happen to such a wonderful, kind and generous man," her note continued. "Please, if anyone you know and love is suffering from depression or illness, hold them close, tell them you love them with all your heart and that the world is better because they are in it. Get any help you can. Suicide is not the answer."

"Thank you all so much for your love and prayers and support," she concluded. "It helps me a lot. I love you all."

Charo is best known for appearing on "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island" and "Thumbelina."