Matt LeBlanc shares emotional tribute to Matthew Perry: ‘I’ll never forget you’

This truly is “The One Where We Can’t Stop Crying.” In a heart-wrenching tribute shared on Instagram, Matt LeBlanc is remembering his late friend and former Friends co-star Mathew Perry as a dear friend who he’ll never forget.

"“It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend,” LeBlanc wrote. “I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love.”"

LeBlanc closed his remark in the most Joey of ways possible, joking to this late friend, “And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.” 

The emotional and moving tribute to his late friend was accompanied by a series of photos from LeBlanc and Perry’s time together on Friends, including a behind-the-scenes shot of the pair hugging it out with their fellow castmates Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and David Schwimmer.

MORE: Friends co-stars take to social media to honor Matthew Perry with emotional tributes

Perry passed away tragically on October 28 at the age of 54 after being found unresponsive in his hot tub in his L.A. home. Following his death, the Friends cast released a joint statement via People in which they asked for time as they mourned the loss of their friend.

"“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” their statement reads. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”"

It seems only fitting that LeBlanc is the first member of the Friends core cast to post a direct statement remembering Perry. The duo was beloved by millions for the friendship their characters Joey and Chandler shared — a friendship that extended beyond the show and into the real world where the two remained close friends in the decades after the show ended.