The Only Way is Essex star Gemma Collins has announced the death of her mother Joan, aged 70, sharing the news on Instagram on Wednesday night. She described her heart as 'shattered into a million pieces' in a tribute.
Collins, 45, revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with pneumonia twice in the last six months. In her post, she wrote: 'Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE. Mum, today, every piece of my heart left with you.'
She continued: '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.'
Heartfelt Tribute
Collins added: '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.' She expressed hope that her mother was 'finally free from pain' and able to 'walk again, laugh again, and feel light'.
She concluded: '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. Sleep peacefully, my beautiful Mum.'
Celebrity Tributes
The post was flooded with messages from celebrities. Elton John wrote: 'So sad to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family.' Stormzy commented with a string of heart emojis. Lisa Riley, who appeared on I'm A Celebrity with Collins, said: 'My heart breaks for you. Our Mums went to heaven on exactly the same day.'
Megan McKenna said her 'heart breaks' for Collins, while Amy Childs commented 'what a beautiful lady her mum was'. Dani Dyer wrote: 'Oh Gemma I’m so so sorry, thinking of you,' and Lauren Goodger added: 'So sorry Gem. Thinking of you and sending you so much love my darling.'
Previous Health Issues
In November, Collins asked fans to pray for her mother after she was hospitalised with pneumonia, describing it as 'the toughest week' of her life. The previous May, Joan was rushed to hospital after she 'stopped breathing' following a breast cancer scare, prompting Collins to get screened.
At the time, Collins said she was warned to 'prepare for the worst', but her mother pulled through.
