Dame Esther Rantzen, who died today, was pictured smiling alongside her daughter Rebecca in her final photo before her death. The Childline founder and That's Life presenter celebrated her 85th birthday with her family, including daughter Rebecca. In the sweet pictures, both are smiling at the camera in sunglasses, with Esther wearing a butter yellow dress and blazer.
Birthday Celebration Captured
In the photos, Rebecca held a giant meringue adorned with fruit as the family gathered for the celebrations, with Esther looking thrilled to be surrounded by her loved ones. The journalist and broadcaster died today, as confirmed by her children Miriam, Rebecca, and Joshua Wilcox in a joint statement.
Family Statement
The statement read: "Our adored mother, Dame Esther Rantzen, died today. Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her."
They added: "We are grateful she is finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, but we will miss her immeasurably. She was our sunshine. We will always remember her endless capacity for joy, her ability to comfort every heartache, her beautiful way with words and her expert guidance in all things."
Legacy and Tributes
The family continued: "She was the most wonderful mother to us three children and a cherished grandmother to her five treasured grandchildren. We have been so lucky for so long, no matter how much time we had with Mum it could never be enough, but we are so grateful for our lives together."
They also said: "Mum's work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her so thank you to everyone who has written to her, shared their stories with her over the years and worked alongside her. We hope the humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work may continue to inspire you as it will do us. We kindly ask that we are given privacy and time to grieve."
