Rick Harrison, the beloved star of History Channel's hit reality series Pawn Stars, has announced the devastating loss of his mother, JoAnne Harrison, who passed away at the age of 77.
The television personality shared the heartbreaking news with his followers on social media, posting a poignant tribute alongside childhood photographs that captured tender moments between mother and son.
A Mother's Complex Legacy
In his emotional statement, Harrison revealed the complicated nature of their relationship, acknowledging his mother's long-standing battle with alcoholism. "My Mom JoAnne Harrison passed away yesterday," he wrote. "She was an alcoholic and it eventually took her life."
Despite the challenges they faced, Harrison's tribute reflected a son's enduring love, describing JoAnne as "an amazing woman" who had been largely absent from his life due to her struggles with addiction.
Family Business Roots
While JoAnne maintained distance from the spotlight that made her son and grandson household names, her connection to the family business ran deep. She was married to Richard Harrison, Rick's father and the original "Old Man" of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop that became the setting for their television fame.
The couple eventually divorced, but their legacy continues through the Las Vegas institution that has attracted millions of visitors and television viewers worldwide.
A Private Life Away from Cameras
Unlike her son Rick and grandson Corey, who became reality television sensations through Pawn Stars' unprecedented success, JoAnne Harrison chose to remain out of the public eye. Her passing marks another difficult chapter for the Harrison family, who previously mourned the loss of Richard Harrison in 2018.
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with messages of support for Harrison during this difficult time, acknowledging the particular pain of losing a parent to addiction.
The reality star's candid acknowledgment of his mother's struggle has been praised as both brave and important, helping to destigmatize conversations around alcoholism and its impact on families.
