Gemma Collins has spoken candidly about her grief after the death of her mother Joan, thanking fans for their support in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Instagram tribute
The 45-year-old former reality TV star and businesswoman shared a photo of a memorial she had created for her mother, featuring a picture of the two together surrounded by candles and flowers.
She captioned the post: "Grief is the price we pay for love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every message, every prayer, every kind word. I’m reading them all and getting back to everyone slowly. Please bear with me. Some moments I feel okay, and then it comes in waves."
She added: "One beautiful thing keeps happening. A butterfly has been with me constantly, appearing wherever I go. It brings me a sense of peace, and in my heart I truly feel it’s my mum letting me know she’s close, watching over me, and reminding me that love never really leaves us."
She concluded: "Thank you all for holding me up with your kindness. It means more than you’ll ever know. She loved @paulmccartney and the @thebeatles I’m finding lots of healing listening to the music."
Joan’s illness and death
Earlier this week, Gemma revealed that Joan had died "peacefully" and was "out of pain." Last month, her mother was taken to hospital after contracting pneumonia for a second time in six months.
Bobby Norris pays tribute
Former TOWIE star and one-time best friend Bobby Norris reached out to offer his condolences, following the huge fallout that ended their once inseparable friendship.
Sharing a picture of himself, Gemma and Joan at a showbiz event, he wrote: "Heartbroken to wake up to the news of Joan’s passing. She was a very special lady and I have always had a lot of love for her. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gemma and her family at this devastating time. Sleep Tight Joanie."
