Gemma Collins Devastated as Beloved Mum Joan D!es Aged 70 After Months of Health Battles
Gemma Collins Devastated as Beloved Mum Joan D!es Aged 70 After Months of Health Battles
Reality TV star Gemma Collins has shared the heartbreaking news that her beloved mother, Joan Collins, has passed away peacefully at the age of 70, just weeks after being rushed to hospital with pneumonia.
The former The Only Way Is Essex favourite announced the devastating loss in an emotional Instagram tribute on Wednesday evening, describing her mother as the heart of their family and the person who gave her strength through every stage of life.
“My Heart Is Shattered”
In a deeply personal message, Gemma revealed that Joan died peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her most.
She wrote that losing her mother felt like losing every piece of her heart, thanking Joan for a lifetime of unconditional love, guidance, and sacrifice.
Gemma reflected on the countless memories they shared, saying their home would never feel the same without her mother’s voice, smile, and comforting presence.
She also expressed hope that Joan was finally free from pain, imagining her able to walk, laugh, and find peace once again.
Ending her tribute, Gemma promised that her mother would remain with her forever—in every sunrise, every flower, every birdsong, and every quiet moment when she needed her most.
A Long Fight With Serious Illness
Although no official cause of death has been announced, Joan had endured several serious health problems over the past few years.
She had battled pneumonia twice within the last six months and was admitted to hospital again just last month. At the time, Gemma thanked the doctors and nurses caring for her mother while reassuring fans that Joan was receiving excellent treatment.
Her health had already been fragile for some time.
In late 2025, Joan spent five weeks in hospital after another bout of pneumonia before eventually recovering.
The family also endured a frightening emergency in 2024 when Joan stopped breathing and was admitted to intensive care. Gemma later admitted doctors warned her that her mother might not survive, making it one of the most traumatic periods of her life.
Fans Remember a Much-Loved TV Mum
Joan became a familiar face to viewers through her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex, where her warm personality and close relationship with Gemma made her a fan favourite.
Tributes quickly poured in following the announcement, with friends and fellow reality stars including Dani Dyer, Amy Childs, and Lauren Goodger sending messages of love and support to the grieving star.
Gemma Collins has revealed that her mum Joan has passed away ‘peacefully’ and ‘surrounded by love’
The former TOWIE star, 45, took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to share the sad news with her followers
Her Emotional Family Story Touched Millions
Many viewers will also remember Joan’s moving appearance on Who Do You Think You Are? in 2024.
The documentary uncovered the painful truth behind her childhood after she spent decades believing she had been abandoned by her birth mother.
Researchers discovered that Joan’s biological mother may have been forced to give her daughter into foster care because of what experts now believe was a possible misdiagnosis of serious mental illness.
During the emotional programme, Joan spoke openly about growing up in foster care, later being sent to a children’s home, and carrying feelings of rejection throughout much of her life.
The revelations left both mother and daughter in tears as they pieced together a family history neither had fully understood before.
A Family Faces an Irreplaceable Loss
The news marks one of the most heartbreaking moments in Gemma Collins’ life.
After years of standing by her mother’s side through repeated health scares, the television personality is now mourning the woman she described as her greatest source of love and strength.
As thousands of fans continue sharing messages of sympathy, Joan is being remembered not only as Gemma’s devoted mother but also as a kind, resilient woman whose remarkable life story touched many people far beyond her own family.
