Bethenny Frankel has broken her silence after the death of her on-off boyfriend Dennis Shields

Posting a picture of Dennis laying on a bed with her beloved dog Cookie - who passed away in October last year at the age of 17 - Bethenny wrote: "Rest In Peace my sweet babies who gave me endless unconditional love. #nowandforever (sic)"

And a source later claimed that Bethenny - who was not in a relationship with Dennis at the time of his death - has been left "devastated" by the news.

They told People magazine: "She is devastated. She loved him. He was her family and [her eight-year-old daughter] Bryn's family. Bryn loved him. Dennis was Bethenny's partner, her family, her business partner and her best friend.

"He helped her with things - emotionally and professionally, and he was her confidante. No question that she did love this guy."

The news comes after a separate source previously said Bethenny was "heartbroken" by Dennis' death.

They said: "This is really bad. It's dreadful. She's known him for over 20 years. She's heartbroken."

Bethenny began dating Dennis three years after filing for divorce from ex-husband Jason Hoppy, with whom she has eight-year-old daughter Bryn.

The pair endured many break-ups and make-ups - most of which was documented on 'The Real Housewives of New York' - but remained close even when they weren't together.

A source previously said: "Bethenny and her daughter Bryn love Dennis and his family and they have been a support system during her negative divorce and a positive influence in Bryn's life.

"They had a 27-year friendship before they dated so they picked that up where they left off once they realised they didn't work as a couple. Her daughter adores him and his family, and she comes first above all."