Five months ago, we wrote about the long-awaited news for Lorde fans everywhere with the upcoming release of her third album, following the cult hit “Melodrama.” Fast-forward to November, and we’re struck with news about its delay due to an unfortunate circumstance, as expressed by Lorde in a heartfelt letter.

In an email sent out to Lorde’s newsletter subscribers, the 22-year-old singer shared the devastating news about the death of her dog, Pearl. “Pearl came into my life in 2018, and almost immediately changed everything for me. As anyone who has had the pleasure of raising a dog can understand, my life grew exponentially. Pearl brought an immeasurable amount of joy and purpose into my world,” she wrote. “Pearl had two cardiac arrests about an hour apart, and after the second one, he died. I was holding him when he went, and I know he knew that I was there. But this loss has been indescribably painful, and a light that was turned on for me has gone out.”

Lorde then revealed Pearl’s significance for the album’s creative process. “I felt he led me towards the ideas. And it’s going to take some time and recalibration, now there’s no shepherd ahead of me, to see what the work is going to be.”

As 2020 rolls around, the singer asks for the patience of those who await her third album’s release, as she takes time to mourn the loss of her beloved dog. “But when this great loss [crystallizes] inside me, and my chest rebuilds around it, hopefully I’ll be able to finish up, and share it with you, and we’ll all grow together, as we always do.”

Just as her music was our delight and remedy through the ups and downs of our adolescence, we’re giving Lorde the same love as she powers through this tough time. We’ll be right here with you, Ella.

Read Lorde’s full letter below:

Lorde talks about delaying her next album due to the loss of her dog and friend, Pearl pic.twitter.com/GSa17UUs5g

— Lorde Daily (@LordeDaily) November 2, 2019