Gemma Collins has said her grief is hitting her in waves following the death of her mother, Joan, who passed away aged 70 after a battle with pneumonia.
The former TOWIE star, 45, announced on Instagram on Wednesday evening that Joan had died peacefully, surrounded by love, just a month after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia.
On Friday, Collins returned to the platform to share a photo of a shrine she had created in her mother's honour, featuring flowers, lit candles and photographs.
"Grief is the price we pay for love," she wrote. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every message, every prayer, every kind word. I'm reading them all and getting back to everyone slowly. Please bear with me. Some moments I feel okay, and then it comes in waves."
Collins also described a comforting experience she said had been happening since her mother's passing, saying a butterfly had been appearing wherever she went. She said it brought her a sense of peace and that she truly felt it was her mum letting her know she was close and watching over her.
Outpouring of support
Fellow former TOWIE cast member Jesy Nelson was among those to respond, writing in the comments that she was sending love. Other followers left messages of support and condolence.
In her initial tribute announcing Joan's death, Collins wrote that her heart was shattered into a million pieces. She said no words would ever be enough to thank her mother for loving her, guiding her, and giving her memories she would carry for the rest of her life.
"The house will never sound the same without you," Collins wrote. "Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life."
Joan's health battles
Joan had faced a number of serious health challenges in recent years. She was hospitalised with pneumonia for the first time in March 2020. In 2024, she was placed in intensive care after she stopped breathing, a scare that left Collins fearing the worst.
In December 2025, Joan was admitted to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, with pneumonia again, but recovered after five weeks. She was admitted once more last month, and did not recover. Her cause of death has not been revealed.
Joan, a former hairdresser, was well known to TOWIE fans through several appearances on the show. In 2024 she also featured in Collins's episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, which explored the story of Joan's biological mother and the circumstances under which Joan was given up to a foster family as a child.
