Following the death of former Pantera co-founder and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, the longtime girlfriend of his late brother and bandmate "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott has taken to social media to thank those who have offered her support.

"It has taken me a while to reach out and thank everyone for all of their love and support[,] for just thinking of me[,] means the world[.] [M]y apologies for being so tardy," Rita Haney wrote on Instagram. "Thank you all. I wish I could put into words what Dime and Vinnie mean to me ... but the emotions are so much more powerful than anything that I could ever say."

Vinnie Paul, who played drums in Hellyeah since 2006, died on June 22 at the age of 54. While no cause of death has officially been given, police say it was not suspicious.

After Pantera broke up in 2003, Abbott formed formed Damageplan with his guitarist brother, who was shot and killed on stage in Columbus, Ohio in 2004.

Haney, who had first met Dimebag as a child and had been his longtime partner at the time of his death, considered Vinnie a brother.

"I love you two so differently but yet both so dearly," she wrote. "[Y]ou both carried me through your lives and gave me your all[.] I will always love you both and I will always fly your flag strong and proud[.]"

She then referred to Abbott by his nickname. "Vinnie has always been my 'big bro Riggs' for 43 yrs," she continued. "... The last time we saw each other in Tampa, back in April, I told you that I knew you loved me because Darrell loved me, but that sometimes you just loved me. You gave me a big ol’ Vinnie Paul style hug and said 'your [sic] right[,] I do love you[.]' We hugged again[.]

"I can never thank you two enough for the beautiful life you both have given me[,] and still made sure to give me," she concluded. "I miss you so[.] My Abbott brothers[.]  Always Stronger Than All."

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