Channel Nine presenter Samantha Armytage, 49, has announced the passing of her beloved grandmother Dorothy Flannery, who died at the remarkable age of 100. The television personality took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the heartbreaking news, posting a lengthy tribute accompanied by a gallery of touching family photographs.
Heartfelt Tribute to 'Nanny Flannery'
In her emotional post, Armytage wrote: 'Last week we laid our beautiful Nanny Flannery to rest. She was 100 & she was just pure magic.' The TV star explained that she included messages from friends of both herself and her mother in the tribute because her grandmother 'was universally adored'. She added: 'And in return, she was adoring. A grandmother's love is like no other.'
Armytage also reflected on a poignant moment surrounding her grandmother's death, noting that Dorothy loved bright colours, especially yellow. On the day she passed away, sunlight streamed through the golden leaves of a ginkgo tree in her garden, a moment that brought comfort to the family.
Reunion with Late Mother and Beloved Dog
The television star expressed solace in believing that her grandmother is now reunited with her late mother Elizabeth 'Libby' Armytage, who died in November 2020 at age 68 from heart failure, and the family's beloved dog Banjo. 'How lucky am I to have 3 Guardian Angels,' she wrote, adding: 'She deserves a good rest.. but Lordy, we shall miss her.' Armytage signed off the tribute with: 'Dorothy Flannery 1925 - 2026.'
Outpouring of Support from Friends
The post was met with an outpouring of grief from Armytage's famous friends. Bachelor star Anna Heinrich wrote: 'Sorry to hear Sam. Sending you lots of love xxx.' Fellow Channel Nine presenter Belinda Russell commented: 'Such beautiful tributes for your Nanny Flannery. What a wonderful woman she must have been. Sending big hugs to you and your family.' Real Housewives of Sydney star Sally Obermeder added: 'Oh Sam. I'm so sorry. Beautiful Nanny Flannery was an exceptional woman. Sending you all heaps of love x.'
Previous Loss of Her Mother
The news comes six years after Armytage lost her mother Libby. In a previous Instagram post, the former Sunrise star wrote: 'Last Tuesday afternoon, a little while after the Melbourne Cup was run, our beautiful mumma passed away, just 10 days before her 69th birthday. She had fought bravely for a long time and suffered a lot, but finally her big-loving heart just couldn't do it anymore.' She described her mother as 'kind, loving, loyal, wildly wicked, funny & formidable' and shared a photo of Libby's rose garden, calling it her 'happy place'.
