Wednesday marks the third anniversary of Amy Winehouse‘s death, and her father, Mitch, says he’s always in touch with her.
“She’s standing next to me, every time I go out on that stage,” Mitch told The Sun. “She’s there all right, I feel her, sense her.”
Mitch, who released a biography about the singer in 2012, says he’s in constant communication with Winehouse. “She’s in here now saying, ‘Just get on with it, Dad.’ I’m always speaking to her, all day, every day.”
And to carry on her memory, Mitch created the Amy Winehouse Foundation. It not only aims to prevent drug use by young people but to support and empower children and young adults in need through both therapy and music education, according to the site’s mission.
“Amy loved children and through the Foundation, we will be supporting charities that help young people, especially those in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction. I am now donating all personal fees I receive for interviews and performances, to the Foundation.”
Mitch tweeted on Monday that he would mark the tragic anniversary with a visit to her grave.
On Wednesday, he thanked fans for their continued support by tweeting, “I don’t have words to express my gratitude and love to you all. You never allow us to go through this alone. Thank you. Mitch.”
Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011. She was 27.