Mick Jagger Eulogizes “Lover and Best Friend”

Mick Jagger has issued a new statement about his girlfriend, accomplished fashion designer L'Wren Scott, who was found dead in her New York City apartment on Monday after apparently committing suicide.

In the note, posted on Jagger's official website along with a photo of Scott, the Rolling Stones singer writes, "I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way.  We spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves.  She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me."

Jagger adds, "I have been touched by the tributes that people have paid to her, and also the personal messages of support that I have received.  I will never forget her."

It was more than a decade ago that Jagger began dating Scott, a renowned stylist and fashion designer whose clothes have been worn by A-list stars including Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, and Penelope Cruz.

The Rolling Stones had been scheduled to begin an Australian on Wednesday night in Perth, but have postponed the concert in the wake of Scott's death.  Promoters have asked anyone with tickets to hold on to them "until a further update is available."  It's not clear whether the rest of the band's Down Under trek will be affected.