Treat Williams as Bill Paley in ‘Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans’.Photo:Pari Dukovic/FX

Treat Williams

Pari Dukovic/FX

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the late actor’s wifePam Williamsshares how Treat “couldn’t have been happier” working on FX’sFeud: Capote vs. The Swans,which premieres on Jan. 31.

Pam says working on the star-studded production was a thrill for Treat, who played CBS executive Bill Paley in the new series.

“He was truly in his element working with the best of the best in every department on this project and couldn’t have been happier,” says Pam, who joined Treat in New York City for much of filming.

Treat Williams in Hollywood, California in October 2019.Rachel Luna/Getty

Treat Williams

Rachel Luna/Getty

Immediately following Treat’s tragic death, Pam says the show’s production crew reached out with their “condolences and support,” emphasizing “how proud we will be of his performance.”

WithFeud: Capote vs. The Swansdebuting in just a few weeks, Pam admits she and her children —Gill, 31, and Ellie, 25— whom she shared with Williams, haven’t mentally prepared themselves to see Treat onscreen one last time.

“I haven’t given it much thought, but it’s horrible thought to think I’ll be watching his last project — not a comfortable place to be or think about — but of course we’ll be there to support him as always,” she says, adding that while it’s been seven months since Treat’s death, “It still feels like yesterday on most levels.”

Ellie Williams, Treat Williams, Pam Van Sant and Gill Williams in San Diego, California in August 2021.Courtesy Pam Williams

Ellie Williams, Treat Williams, Pam Van Sant and Gill Williams

Courtesy Pam Williams

Treat, whose decades-long career included roles inHair,EverwoodandChesapeake Shores,diedon June 12 at age 71 following a motorcycle accident in Dorset, Vermont. (A trial date for the other driver in the accident,Ryan Koss, who pleaded not guilty, has not been set.)

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

While the Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actor’s death shocked fans and former costars, it also completely blindsided Pam, Gill and Ellie who continue to process his loss.

“I think because of the suddenness of it, there was absolutely no preparation, so I’m still grappling with the fact that it happened and that he’s really gone,” Pam says. “It just feels like such a hole in our family and the fabric of the world. The whole atmosphere feels different.”

Treat Williams in a scene from the 1979 film ‘Hair.'.United Artists/Getty

Treat Williams with others in a scene from the film ‘Hair’, 1979. (Photo by United Artists/Getty Images)

United Artists/Getty

“He’s left behind this beautiful legacy. That’s something you’re very lucky to have if your parent is an artist, especially when they’re as prolific as him, because you get to, in many ways, still be with them through that,” Gill explains. “Even if it’s a character, his heart and his soul are actually present in all of his work.”

For more on Treat Williams and his family, pick up the latest issue ofPEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.

Feud: Capote vs The Swans’first two episodes air on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET on FX and will be available to stream next day on Hulu.

source: people.com