Celebrities

Kate Cassidy Bakes a White Cake Tribute to Liam Payne’s 33rd Birthday

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 14, 2026
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Kate Cassidy Bakes a White Cake Tribute to Liam Payne’s 33rd Birthday

Influencer Kate Cassidy marked what would have been former One Direction star Liam Payne’s 33rd birthday on August 29, exactly two years after the singer’s sudden passing. She shared a TikTok video of a single‑layer white cake topped with Bischoff cookies and sprinkles, a nod to the pop icon’s favorite treat.

“It’s August 29, which is a very special someone’s birthday,” Cassidy said in the clip.

In the post she explained that the day had become “Year 2 of Liam not being here physically to celebrate his birthday.” She added that when a person dies, they die twice—once at death and again when people stop talking about them. “I’m never gonna stop talking about him. He was a huge part of my life,” Cassidy continued.

The video also featured Cassidy lighting a single candle on the cake and offering a heartfelt message to Payne’s memory.

## What Happened

Cassidy’s TikTok shows a white cake with sprinkles, Bischoff cookies laid on top, and a single lit candle. She recorded herself saying, “Happy birthday, Liam, I hope you are celebrating in heaven today. Just know that you are so loved down here.” The post was uploaded on Saturday, August 29, the anniversary of Payne’s birth.

Payne died in 2024 after falling from the third‑story balcony of a hotel at age 31 while under the influence. Official reports say his death resulted from severe internal and external injuries, with traces of alcohol and various drugs found in his system.

The tragedy shocked fans worldwide and left his family, including parents, two older sisters, and his nine‑year‑old son Bear, grieving.

Cassidy reflected on a simple memory from the singer’s last birthday: “On Liam’s last birthday two years ago, we went bowling and we had cake in bed. It was just a simple morning.” The influencer emphasized that Liam remained grounded despite his celebrity status.

## Background & Context

Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy dated from 2022 until his death in 2024. Payne had risen to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction before launching a solo music career. He had a son, Bear, with ex‑pop star Cheryl Cole, and was survived by parents, two older sisters, and his son.

Cassidy has long celebrated Payne’s influence on her life. She recalled making him little Bischoff cupcakes and noted that Bischoffs were “his favorite cookie ever.” The influencer praised him as “the most funniest, most handsome, smart [and] most kind soul that you’ll probably meet in your life.”

The anniversary celebration was mirrored by Payne’s family in England. His sister Nicola posted an Instagram message that echoed the same bowling ritual used for the singer’s last birthday. She wrote: “Celebrating your birthday for the second year without you will never feel right…

We do it the best way we know how with a little bowling, just like we did for your last birthday.” Nicola added that life still feels unfair and that they miss him more than words can express.

## Family Reactions

The family’s Instagram post underscored their continued remembrance of Payne. Nicola’s words highlighted the shared tradition of bowling on his birthdays, a simple activity that meant a great deal to the singer.

“I hate how much you’re missing out on and how life has had to carry on without you here,” she said, acknowledging the ongoing pain.

Cassidy’s own tribute underscores a personal commitment to keep Payne’s memory alive. By continuing to talk about him publicly and celebrating his birthday online, she maintains his presence in her daily life. Her message of love for those “down here” reflects a desire to honor his legacy beyond the moment of death.

Both the influencer and family emphasize that Liam’s influence persisted after his passing. They keep their shared memories—bowling trips, simple cakes, favorite cookies—in their public and private rituals, ensuring that he remains part of their lives.

The anniversary tribute shows how fans and loved ones process grief through familiar traditions, turning a tragic loss into an ongoing celebration of the man who once shared a microphone and a life with them.

Why It Matters

The story illustrates how social media influencers are redefining memorial practices for high‑profile figures. Kate Cassidy’s TikTok tribute demonstrates a new form of public mourning that blends personal nostalgia with platform features—viral videos, hashtags, and comments—to create a sustained communal remembrance. Fans see themselves reflected in her message, turning grief into a shared cultural event that can be revisited year after year. From an industry perspective, this trend underscores the monetizable value of emotional authenticity; brands and media outlets increasingly partner with influencers who can generate engagement around personal narratives, including loss. For fans, the ritual of celebrating a deceased celebrity’s birthday offers psychological relief, providing continuity and a sense of presence. However, it also raises questions about the commodification of grief and the line between homage and exploitation. Overall, the case highlights how digital platforms can amplify memory culture while also shaping industry norms around celebrity legacy management.

Our Take

Kate Cassidy’s tribute is a powerful reminder that mourning need not end with death; social media allows fans and loved ones to keep a loved one’s presence alive in a public, communal space. By sharing a simple cake and personal memories, she turns private grief into a collective celebration that honors the individual’s life rather than merely mourning their loss. Yet this practice carries risks: the line between heartfelt remembrance and performative spectacle can blur, especially when influencers monetize such content or when platforms encourage viral engagement for the sake of metrics. The key is intention—if the tribute stems from genuine affection and aims to sustain memory, it can serve as a healthy coping mechanism. But when emotional narratives become a marketing tool, authenticity erodes, potentially exploiting fans’ vulnerability. Therefore, while social media memorials have democratized remembrance, they also demand careful stewardship to preserve the dignity of those being honored.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Kate Cassidy
  • #Liam Payne
  • #One Direction
  • #Bischoff cookies

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