Five Famous Love Letters
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on one of the most intimate expressions of affection: the love letter. Throughout history, everyone from star-crossed lovers to legendary figures has reached for pen and paper to express what’s in their hearts. Beyond words on a page, these are promises, secrets, and dreams immortalized in ink.
We’ve gathered five of these famous love letters to share with you—and maybe inspire your own love story, right here at The Fifth.
Georgia O’Keefe to Alfred Stieglitz
The artist Georgia O’Keefe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz had a passionate, intensely emotional relationship — one that unfolded in letters over the course of decades. The artists were introduced in 1916 when Stieglitz premiered O’Keefe’s work; their relationship rapidly developed into an intense romance that resulted in marriage. During their time together, the couple wrote more than 5,000 letters to each other, sharing everything from their artistic pursuits to their innermost desires. Even when O’Keefe relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico (the location of our sister hotel, The Inn of the Five Graces), their correspondence remained an important part of their lives.
“How much we have in common. — Traits. — Both turn everything we touch into something really living — & amusing — for ourselves. — Both can laugh — really laugh — even at our heartaches… 300 years you want to live!! — I wish I could give you that as a gift —”
Frida Kahlo to Diego Riviera
The relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera was anything but ordinary. They met in 1928 when Kahlo sought Rivera’s guidance as an artist, and what began as admiration quickly morphed into all-consuming love. Their relationship spanned decades, two marriages, several affairs, and endless artistic collaborations. And through it all, they stayed deeply connected. When they were apart, Kahlo wrote Rivera letters of longing and devotion, demonstrating that between them nothing could shake their bond, even amid the turmoil.
“There is much life in me — when it was always checked in moving toward you — I realized it would die if it could not move toward something … I chose coming away because here at least I feel good — and it makes me feel I am growing very tall and straight inside — and very still — Maybe you will not love me for it — but for me it seems to be the best thing I can do for you — I hope this letter carries no hurt to you — It is the last thing I want to do in the world.”
Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas
There’s a love story as tragic as it is passionate: Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas. They began meeting in the 1890s, when Wilde was at the peak of his literary fame, and their relationship soon became the scandal of London’s top social circles. But in an era when same-sex love was a crime, their affair became a scandal and then led to Wilde’s imprisonment. Even when separated, Wilde’s letters to Douglas were filled with longing and devotion, proving that love doesn’t always follow an easy path.
“Everyone is furious with me for going back to you, but they don’t understand us. I feel that it is only with you that I can do anything at all,” Wilde wrote. “Do remake my ruined life for me, and then our friendship and love will have a different meaning to the world. I wish that when we met at Rouen we had not parted at all. There are such wide abysses now of space and land between us. But we love each other.”
Johnny Cash to June Carter
Johnny Cash and June Carter had the kind of love story that country songs are written about — literally, because they wrote them. They met while touring in the mid-1950s, and after years of chemistry it was in 1968 that June finally accepted Johnny’s marriage proposal. Through all the highs and lows, their love was a constant, and Cash’s birthday letter to June is a beautiful reminder of how love deepens over the years.
“Happy Birthday Princess, we get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each other’s minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realise how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me. You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for me existence. I love you very much.”
Beethoven to his “Immortal Love”
Not even the best composers were spared heartache. Beethoven’s letter to his “Immortal Beloved” reveals a more intimate side of the legendary composer. Written in July 1812, the fervent love letter was uncovered after his death. Although we may never know who he wrote it for, the sentiments in his words are universal — the longing to miss someone, the desire to reunite, the deep
“Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, Be calm–love me–today–yesterday–what tearful longings for you–you–you–my life–my all–farewell. Oh continue to love me–never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.”
Romance is all about the memories we create, the words we hold onto, and the time we share together. At The Fifth, we believe every love story deserves a setting just as extraordinary. This Valentine’s Day, channel history’s greatest love letters and create heartfelt moments with our exclusive Love is in the Air offer, which includes a complimentary third night and a bottle of champagne artfully selected by our sommelier each evening.
