Watch Chris Cornell’s Widow Emotionally Reveal Why ‘He Should Be Here’ With Soundgarden

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Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky accepted Human Rights Watch’s new The Promise award on behalf of her husband from System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian with Soundgarden members Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron. Alternative Nation transcribed Vicky’s voice.

“The last thing in the world I thought I’d be doing is standing here tonight without my husband. He should be here to accept this tremendous honor and to see his vision coming to fruition. Chris’ musical legacy has been cemented over the years because of the incredible work that he created for the world.

This project had incredible personal meaning to him, not just because of my family heritage or his close friendships with Eric [Esrailian] and Serj [Tankian] over the years, but because he felt he had a duty to use his platform to make a positive difference in the world. He realized the need for a transformational impact that each person around the world needs to try and make, whether locally or globally, to help those that are less fortunate, and to speak for those that do not have a voice.

Chris was kind, giving, and he cared deeply when he saw injustice in the world. He wanted to start our foundation to help children, and the vast majority of his philanthropic efforts have been conducted anonymously over the years. Chris has received every type of musical honor, but being included with this group of genuine friends, human rights activists, philanthropists and colleagues would have made him so proud.

I ask all of you to take the same approach as Chris. Do what you can to make the world a better place, help those who are less fortunate. Please do not allow people to forget the atrocities of the past, and please do not let the same patterns repeat themselves and in the future. Thank you for this honor, and I ask you all to keep the promise.”