The mother of Heath Ledger's 2-year-old daughter Matilda has issued the most poignant statement we've heard since the star's untimely passing. The fleeting shots of her in the days following Ledger's death spoke volumes about her grief, and her statement is even more heartbreaking:

"Please respect our need to grieve privately. My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."

Michelle, you are very fortunate to have Matilda and  we are sure that both you and she will be strengthened, despite, and because of, this terrible tragedy. Our most positive thoughts, wishes and prayers are with you and your family.

P.S. to the paps: Please leave this poor woman be!

[EW]