Actor Heath Ledger's ex-fiancée Michelle Williams spoke publicly on Friday for the first time since the star's death saying: My heart is broken and asked for privacy for her and daughter Matilda.

In a short statement released by Mara Buxbaum, Michelle and Ledgers spokeswoman, she said: Please respect our need to grieve privately.

Williams, 27, met Ledger on the set of their film Brokeback Mountain in which they costarred as husband and wife. The couple later settled in New York and had a daughter, Matilda, who is now two.

My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father, Williams said in her statement.

All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up with the best memories of him.

The couple pair parted ways last September. Australian star Ledger died in New York on Jan.22 at the age of 28. Authorities suspect a possible overdose, but details from the autopsy are yet to be reported. Police said six types of prescription drugs, including an antihistamine and pills to treat anxiety and insomnia, were found in the apartment.

His family is now preparing to farewell him at a funeral, expected to be held in home country Australia, in the next few days. A public memorial service has been planned in Los Angeles.

Williams' statement comes a day after a video of Ledger partying at an alleged Hollywood drug party, was pulled from US TV out of respect for the late actor's family. Entertainment Tonight and The Insider were set to broadcast the 2-year-old video during its show on Thursday.