Erika Kirk Shares Tribute to Charlie Kirk on First Thanksgiving Since His Death: ‘We’ll Save a Plate for You’

Erika Kirk paid tribute to her late husband Charlie Kirk as she and her two children celebrated their first Thanksgiving without him.

“Charlie and I always loved Thanksgiving because it drew us back to the simple, but holy practice of gratitude,” Erika, 37, captioned a video shared via Instagram on Thanksgiving Day that showed all of the letters and gifts she and the kids had received from Charlie’s supporters. “And even now, well, especially now, in the depths of the ache, I’m reminded of that gratitude.”

She continued, “God blessed me with being married to the love of my life, with our beautiful babies, with our family and friends, and with people from all over the world who have sent us letters, toys, artwork, and Bibles.”

Erika added that she felt it was natural to dwell on everything she and the kids have lost, but her faith has kept pulling her back toward what’s still present and meaningful in their lives. She shared that the support pouring in has been overwhelming in the best way, and that she’s carefully reading and saving every note and gift for her children to have someday. She also reflected on leaning on her relationship with God, noting that she feels carried through the hardest moments and is grateful for the protection and renewal she believes He’s providing as she and her children move forward one day at a time.

“We’ll save a plate for you babe,” Erika concluded. “I love you, [Charlie,] happy Thanksgiving.”

Charlie, a right-wing political activist, was assassinated at the age of 31 in September during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour leaving Erika to raise their two small children. Since then, she’s been open about depending on her faith to help her with her grief.