Gemma Collins announces death of "beautiful" mum with heartbreaking tribute

Gemma Collins has announced the heartbreaking news that her mother Joan has passed away at the age of 70, writing a touching post on Instagram in tribute.The former The Only Way is Essex star shared a black and white photograph of her mum, and 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."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. Gemma."Joan had struggled with health issues over the years, and had been rushed to hospital multiple times in the last year alone with pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection that is especially dangerous for older people.Gemma told The Sun newspaper last year: "My mum was suddenly taken into hospital and I was told she could die. They would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest."In the comments of Gemma's Instagram post, Megan Barton-Hanson wrote: "Sending my love. I'm so sorry to hear the news xx", while Megan McKenna said: "Oh Gemma my heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry. Thinking of you so much".Judi Love, Ashley Banjo, Kerry Riches, Chloe Meadows, Stephen Bailey, and Gemma Merna were among the many famous faces to also send their condolences in the comments.