The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins has announced the death of her mother Joan, saying: “You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten.”
Collins, 45, said her “heart is shattered into a million pieces” by the loss of her “beautiful mum”, who had been suffering from pneumonia.
Sharing a black and white photo of her mother smiling for the camera, she wrote on Instagram: “Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE.
“Mum, 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.
“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.
“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.”
Joan made several appearances on The Only Way Is Essex over the years.
Last month she was taken to hospital after coming down with pneumonia for the second time in the space of six months.
Her mother and father Alan celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year.
Paying tribute on their anniversary in March, Collins wrote: “THE BEST PARENTS I COULD HAVE EVER ASKED FOR.
“Happy 50th Anniversary. Your love story is the foundation of our family and the example we all look up to.
“Through every season of life, you’ve shown what true love, commitment, and partnership really mean.
“We are so proud and grateful to call you our parents. EVERYONE who meets you both are captivated by what you both have.
“Your a great example to what love is and what everyone deserves.”
Collins shot to fame as a Towie mainstay between 2011 and 2015.
She went on to become a fan favourite due to her flamboyant personality and has since become a regular on television on shows including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
