In a deeply emotional moment on Monday's episode of Loose Women, panellist Brenda Edwards was overcome with tears while discussing the profound grief she continues to experience following the tragic death of her son, Jamal Edwards. The singer and television personality, who lost her son suddenly in 2022 when he was just 31 years old, received immediate comfort from her fellow presenters as she candidly shared her ongoing struggle with loss.
A Raw Discussion About Grief and Loss
The conversation began with the panel reflecting on the recent Grammy Awards, where Kelly Osbourne had openly admitted to struggling after the death of her father, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Praising Osbourne for her honesty, Edwards revealed her own initial reluctance to discuss her pain publicly. "I admit myself, when I was asked that question when Jamal passed, it was 'I'm fine', because I personally didn't want to talk about it at that time," she explained. "I was processing so many different things, still processing so many different things and it's only been four years."
Edwards elaborated on her hesitation, noting that she often felt people asked about her wellbeing out of obligation rather than genuine concern. "I didn't want to put my grief onto somebody else, even though they've asked the question, I feel that you're asking the question because you have to," she shared. However, she also expressed how much solace she finds in memories of her son, stating that hearing stories about Jamal and receiving messages from others who remember him brings her significant comfort.
An Overwhelming Wave of Emotion
As the discussion progressed, Edwards' composure began to falter. "It seems like 20 hours out of a 24 hour day, I'm just in a..." she said, before breaking down completely. Host Kaye Adams quickly reached over to offer physical comfort, while fellow panellist Nadia Sawalha provided supportive words. "That's the thing, you never know where it's going to take you, it can be a piece of music, a smell, a conversation, kindness, unkindness. You've done so well," Sawalha reassured her before the show transitioned to a commercial break.
This is not the first time Edwards has spoken publicly about her son's passing. Jamal Edwards, a celebrated music entrepreneur who founded the influential hip-hop platform SB.TV and was awarded an MBE in 2015 for his services to the music industry, died suddenly in February 2022. A subsequent inquest determined that his death resulted from a cardiac arrhythmia triggered by the use of cocaine and alcohol.
Remembering Jamal's Legacy
Despite her profound sorrow, Edwards continues to honour her son's memory and legacy. In August of last year, she shared a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Jamal's 35th birthday, which coincided with the Notting Hill Carnival weekend. "I miss you so much, your smile, your laugh, your positivity, everything about you," she wrote. "You have been with me holding my hand and guiding my steps that I take in your name. So I'm gonna party hard in your honour as I celebrate you my beautiful baby. I love you Jamal now and always. Come on."
The raw and unfiltered display of emotion on Loose Women has resonated with viewers, highlighting the complex and enduring nature of parental grief. Edwards' willingness to share her vulnerability on national television serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience behind public figures and the lasting impact of loss.
