Gemma Collins has announced the death of her mother Joan, posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. The former The Only Way Is Essex star said her heart is "shattered into a million pieces".
Joan, who appeared alongside her daughter on several episodes of TOWIE, had been battling pneumonia. The 70-year-old was taken to hospital last month after contracting pneumonia for the second time in six months.
Emotional tribute
Gemma shared a black-and-white photograph of Joan on Instagram, along with a message dedicated to her "beautiful mum". The caption read: "My heart is shattered into a million pieces. Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE Mum."
She continued: "Today, every piece of my heart left with you. No words will ever be enough to thank you for loving me, guiding me, and being my mum. You gave me life, you gave me strength, and you gave me memories that I will carry for every day I have left."
"The house will never sound the same without you. Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life. I will miss you more than I could ever put into words."
Gemma added: "I hope you are finally free from pain. I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light. I hope you are surrounded by peace and by everyone who has gone before you, watching over us with love."
"Thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment. Thank you for being my mum. It has been the greatest privilege to be your daughter."
"Until we meet again, I will carry your love with me. I will look for you in the sunrise, in the flowers, in the birds singing, and in the quiet moments when I need you most."
Concluding the tribute, Gemma said she found comfort in knowing her family had been by Joan's side in her final moments. She wrote: "Sleep peacefully, my beautiful Mum what gives me comfort was today we was all with you. You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten. Gemma."
Celebrity reactions
Messages of support poured in from famous faces. Soap star Lisa Riley commented: "My breaks for you. Our mums went to heaven on exactly the same day, your forever angel."
TOWIE friend Amy Childs said: "Thinking of you Gemma, what a beautiful lady your mum was xxxx RIP beautiful Joan xxx."
Rapper Stormzy showed his support by leaving three red heart emojis beneath the post.
