Liam Payne’s heartfelt letter to his 10-year-old self resurfaces after singer’s death at 31

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: A letter Liam Payne wrote to his 10-year-old self in 2020 has resurfaced in the wake of his tragic death at the age of 31.

The letter, offering an emotional glimpse into his journey from childhood to global fame, was originally shared during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 with host Scott Mills who reflected on Payne’s visit in an emotional tribute posted on BBC Radio 2's Instagram on Thursday, October 17.

Liam Payne warned his younger self about life

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Payne took part in a segment on Mills' show where he was asked to write a letter to his 10-year-old self.

In the letter, the former One Direction member playfully warned his younger self about the rollercoaster ride his life would soon become.

“Get ready! It’s about to get a little bumpy. Cherish every moment with your loved ones right now,” wrote Payne.

He added a lighthearted touch by referencing his love for singing, encouraging himself to stick with it as he hinted at his upcoming audition on The X Factor, the show that launched his career.

"When you turn fourteen something magical is going to happen," wrote Payne. 

Liam Payne advised his younger self to 'stay young at heart'

In the letter, Liam Payne foreshadowed meeting his future bandmates, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik and the experience of forming One Direction.

The 'Teardrops' singer advised his younger self to "stay young at heart" and cherish the extraordinary experiences ahead, including his world tours and global fame.

“When you first meet them it’s going to be chaos but just remember to enjoy yourself," he wrote.

However, Payne also touched on the eventual disbanding of One Direction in 2016, hinting at the uncertainty he felt during that time.

"It will feel scary, like you're alone but you are not," he reassured his younger self, adding that the birth of his son, Bear, in 2017 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Liam Payne's final message to loved ones

Liam Payne also spoke to his younger self about fatherhood in the letter as he expressed both vulnerability and hope in his new role as a father, following his split from Cheryl, the mother of his son Bear.

"Don’t doubt yourself at this Dad thing. Surely that must mean you have a lot to give," he wrote.

Advicing his younger self about overcoming self-doubt, he wrote, "Be grateful and try to remember every day you're doing something you love that took ten years to build."

In the closing lines of the letter, Payne sent a heartfelt message to his family.

“Give Mum, Dad, and all the family a big hug from me," he concluded, according to People.

The news of Payne's death was confirmed by Argentine authorities on Wednesday, October 16, after the singer reportedly fell multiple stories from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.