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The recent uncovering of deeply personal letters between Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has added a profoundly emotional layer to the story of their passing. While their deaths in February were initially described as mysterious, the discovery of their handwritten notes paints a picture of a couple who shared a quiet, enduring love behind closed doors — one marked by thoughtful gestures and tender communication.
As reported by The Sun, a series of love notes exchanged between the couple were recovered from their Santa Fe home, where both were found deceased. Though the exact dates of the notes are unknown, they reflect a touching daily routine, filled with affection and simplicity. Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for The French Connection and Unforgiven, affectionately referred to Betsy as his “lovely girl” and signed his notes with a simple, intimate “Love, G.”
One note in particular read:
“Morning, lovely girl. Thinking of you and the other little guys. Love, G.”
—a reference many believe includes their beloved pets.
In another letter, Hackman subtly hinted at possible memory or health issues, writing in a wandering, self-aware tone about a visit to a doctor:
“I’m going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit, and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building — maybe I’ll remember once I get down there.”
Betsy’s messages to Hackman were equally warm and domestic. In a note about her day, she mentioned:
“Hi G! Taking Zin to obedience class & the vet appointment. See you back at home! There’s a jigsaw puzzle on the table. xo, B.”
These letters, now a symbol of their bond, have added a human, heartfelt dimension to what has been a tragic and unsettling event. The detail that their dog reportedly stayed by their bodies until responders arrived makes the entire episode even more poignant.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the cause of death for either Hackman or Arakawa, but the tone of these letters makes it clear: this was a couple grounded in everyday love, shared routines, and quiet loyalty.