The reality star shared an emotional tribute on social media
Gemma Collins has revealed the heartbreaking news that her mother Joan has died, sharing an emotional tribute on social media. The former The Only Way Is Essex star told fans her heart is “shattered into a million pieces” following the devastating loss.
Joan, who was well known to viewers after appearing alongside her daughter on several episodes of TOWIE, had been battling pneumonia. The 70-year-old had been taken to hospital last month after coming down with pneumonia for the second time in a six month period.
Marking her mum’s passing, Gemma posted a touching black-and-white photograph of Joan on Instagram, alongside a heartfelt message dedicated to her “beautiful mum”.
The caption read: “My heart is shattered into a million pieces. Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE.
“Today, every piece of my heart left with you. No words will ever be enough to thank you for loving me, guiding me, and being my mum. You gave me life, you gave me strength, and you gave me memories that I will carry for every day I have left.
“The house will never sound the same without you. Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life. I will miss you more than I could ever put into words.”
Gemma continued: “I hope you are finally free from pain. I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light. I hope you are surrounded by peace and by everyone who has gone before you, watching over us with love.
“Thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment. Thank you for being my mum. It has been the greatest privilege to be your daughter.
“Until we meet again, I will carry your love with me. I will look for you in the sunrise, in the flowers, in the birds singing, and in the quiet moments when I need you most.”
Concluding the emotional tribute, Gemma said she had found some comfort in knowing her family had been by Joan’s side in her final moments.
She penned: “Sleep peacefully, my beautiful mum what gives me comfort was today we was all with you. You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten. Gemma.”
Alongside the post, Gemma used the Michael Jackson song Gone Too Soon.
Messages of support and condolences quickly poured in, with several famous faces offering their support to Gemma in the comments beneath the post. Soap star Lisa Riley penned: “My breaks for you. Our mums went to heaven on exactly the same day, your forever angel.”
While TOWIE pal Amy Childs said: “Thinking of you Gemma, what a beautiful lady your mum was xxxx RIP beautiful Joan xxx.”
Rapper Stormzy also showed his support, leaving three red heart emojis beneath Gemma’s post.
