“American Sniper,” the story of the late former Navy Seal Chris Kyle, is smoking the box office and just earned six Oscar nominations.
But no accolade in the world could ease the pain of his widow, Taya Kyle, as she struggles to navigate life as a single mother of two after Chris was murdered in 2013.
“I was madly in love with him and still am,” a crying Taya told People in a new interview. “I miss him so much. I loved being in his arms. I loved holding his hand. But what I miss most about Chris is the feeling when he was in the room.
“He just changed the feeling whenever he walked in,” she continued. “I missed him even when he was just gone from the room.”
While Taya is heartbroken over the loss of the love of her life, regarded as the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, the reality of the couple’s two children growing up without their father is equally devastating.
“I try not to be angry too much, but the kids are the ones that got cheated the most,” she said.
Prior to his death, Chris was working with Bradley Cooper and screenwriter Jason Hall on the “American Sniper” story. Clint Eastwood, who Chris hoped would direct his story, later signed on to helm the project – and Taya said the group did a fantastic job handling her husband’s story.
“I feel like they all have this huge heart for Chris,” she told the mag “I really feel like they truly love him and understand him.”
Clint and Bradley went to Taya’s home to spend time with her and the couple’s kids after Chris’ death, and learn more about the family for their film.
The legendary director (and on-screen tough guy), couldn’t contain his emotion as he spoke with the grieving widow.
“He was a little choked up,” Taya shared. “He said, ‘I just want you to know that your story has my heart.’ I can’t ask for better than that because I feel like this is what it’s all about. It’s about the heart of the men and women who serve and have served – and their families.”
Adding, “I hope people understand they really are signing up for something that not many of us would. That takes an incredible amount of heart.”
Taya is attempting to move forward after losing her husband, caring for her two kids and writing a memoir, but going on without is Chris is heartbreaking.
“I will miss him every single day of my life,” she said.
“American Sniper,” starring Bradley and Sienna Miller, is in theaters now.
— Erin O’Sullivan
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