Jane McDonald has opened up about living with grief following the deaths of her mum, Jean, in 2018 and her fiancé, Ed Rothe, in 2021. The former Loose Women star, now 63, shared how she finds comfort by speaking to a portrait of her mother every day.
A Daily Ritual of Comfort
In an interview with Woman magazine, McDonald revealed: "I have a portrait of her in my house and every morning I walk past her and say, 'Morning mum, isn't it a lovely day today?' I talk to her all the time and I feel like she talks to me. It gives me great comfort."
McDonald lost her mother Jean just two weeks before Christmas in 2018, describing it at the time as a "light in my heart has gone." Three years later, her fiancé Ed Rothe, a former drummer for Liquid Gold and The Searchers, died at age 67 after a short battle with lung cancer.
Grief as a Constant Companion
Reflecting on her experiences, McDonald said: "People my age have all joined the club where we've lost people. Grief is always going to be there, right at your side, and it doesn't get any better or easier. What you have to do is fill your life with a load of joy, sit alongside it."
She added: "I feel like my mum and Ed are still with me because I talk about them all the time. I'm still full of love from them and that's a lovely place to be."
Moving Forward Without Romance
Since Ed's death, McDonald has focused on her career and spending time with family and friends, including her best friend and Celebrity Gogglebox co-star Sue. However, she is not actively seeking a new romantic relationship.
Speaking to The Mirror in November, she said: "I'll never say never, because you just don't know what's around the corner, do you? But if it never happens, then fine. I had a great partner who I feel very blessed that I had in my life. And I'm fine. I've got a great group of friends who I go out with and that's enough, really."
Living the Dream Tour 2026
McDonald is now preparing for her Living The Dream 2026 tour, following the release of her album of the same name. She said: "The album was recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tennessee and it is full of heart, joy and the stories and moments that make life what it is. I cannot wait to sing these new songs for you alongside the favourites you love."
She added: "Being on stage with you all is one of the greatest joys of my life and I am so looking forward to being back together again."
