Gemma Collins has announced the death of her mother Joan at the age of 70, describing her heart as 'shattered into a million pieces'. The Only Way is Essex star, 45, shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday night, revealing that Joan had passed away peacefully that day.
Heartfelt tribute on Instagram
Collins wrote: 'My heart is shattered into a million pieces. Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE. Mum, today, every piece of my heart left with you.' She thanked her mother for 'loving me, guiding me, and being my mum' and said she would miss her 'more than I could put into words'.
Joan, a former hairdresser and beloved figure on the ITV reality show, had been diagnosed with pneumonia twice in the last six months. Collins hinted her mother had limited mobility recently, adding: 'I hope you are finally free from pain. I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light.'
Outpouring of support from celebrities
The post was flooded with messages from famous friends, including Elton John, who wrote: 'So sad to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family.' Stormzy commented a string of heart emojis, while Lisa Riley noted their mothers died 'on exactly the same day'. Megan McKenna, Amy Childs, Dani Dyer, and Lauren Goodger also expressed condolences.
Previous health struggles
In November, Collins asked fans to pray for her mother after Joan was hospitalised with pneumonia, calling it 'the toughest week' of her life. In May the previous year, Joan was rushed to hospital after she 'stopped breathing' following a breast cancer scare, prompting Collins to get screened. At the time, Collins said she had been warned to 'prepare for the worst', but her mother recovered.
