Though Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball went their separate ways in 1960, he always loved Lucy. And that was never more apparent than what happened after his death.

Arnaz died on December 2, 1986, at age 69. Five days later, Ball attended the Ninth Annual Kennedy Center Honors, where she was celebrated for her legacy as an actress, comedian, producer and studio executive. It was during that event that famed actor Robert Stack read a letter onstage written by Ball’s ex-husband.