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Husband Of Singer Charo Dies Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA) — The longtime husband of singer and actress Charo has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Coroner's officials confirmed Kjell Rasten, 78, shot himself around midday Monday at the couple's home in the 1800 block of Lexington Road in Beverly Hills.

Rasten was a producer and husband of 1970s entertainment icon Charo, who said her husband committed suicide in response to a deep depression fueled by a rare skin disease.

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Kjell Rasten accompanies his wife to the 2013 NCLR ALMA Awards at the Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium. (credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Rasten was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The couple was featured in a 2015 episode of "Celebrity Wife Swap." Rasten reportedly worked as Charo's manager.

Rasten and Charo, 68, reportedly married in 1978. He is survived by his wife and their son, actor and producer Shel Rasten.

In a statement she posted on Instagram, Charo said her husband had been suffering a rare skin disease called Bullous Pemphigoid.

Anyone contemplating suicide, or who knows someone contemplating suicide, can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

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