Zoe Ball pays tribute to her late mother as she marks first birthday since her death and reveals it’s been ‘harder than I could ever have imagined’

As I read through this heart-wrenching tale of loss and resilience, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of empathy for Zoe Ball. Her life, much like a rollercoaster, has been a series of highs and lows, filled with love, laughter, and tragic goodbyes.

Zoe Ball gave a touching remembrance of her deceased mom, celebrating what would have been her mother’s first birthday since passing away.

53-year-old BBC Radio 2 host shared the news in April that her mother, Julia (age 74), had sadly succumbed to cancer.

Previously this year, Zoe disclosed that a funeral had occurred. However, during her tribute last Friday, she conveyed to her fans that the past couple of months had been more challenging than she had ever anticipated.

The DJ took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late mother on her birthday. 

The post included a photo of Julia, who was seen smiling, along with an emotional statement.

Zoe said: ‘Dear Mama, Happy celestial birthday to you! Your radiant, warm smile continues to light up our lives, but oh, the pain of your absence exceeds anything I could have foreseen. I cling tightly, allowing the tears to fall, and make wishes upon the stars.’

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my sheer joy as the post I shared has garnered a tremendous amount of heartfelt support! Even celebrities like Ruth Langsford from Loose Women have shown their affection for the BBC star, adding fuel to the fire of our collective adoration.

Ruth posted underneath the photo: ‘Sending you love and a huge hug. Hold your memories close.’

Gaby Roslin, who temporarily took over Zoe’s BBC Radio 2 program after her mother’s passing, expressed: “Dearest Zoe, I am sending you the warmest embraces and endless love.”

Claudia Winkleman, Denise Van Outen and Rylan Clark all reacted to Zoe’s post with heart emojis.

Zoe announced in April she had been left ‘bereft’ following the death of her ‘dear mama’ Julia.

In early March, the popular radio personality from BBC Radio 2 shared that her mom had received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Remarkably, she has shown immense courage throughout this challenging time.

But in April delivered the devastating news that she had tragically passed away. 

In her own words then: “Good night, dear Mama. Thank you for showing us how to love without bounds, to be brave and compassionate, and to remember that even on difficult days, laughter is a precious present.”

In your absence, I find myself yearning and longing deeply. Yet, I hold on firmly to the memories we shared – your radiant grace and enchanting smile, which illuminated every space you entered, shall serve as our guiding stars.

From the union between Zoe and renowned British DJ Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook), comes their son, Woody Cook. On Instagram, even he paid a touching tribute.

Today, he penned next to a photo with his grandmother: “Farewell, dear Granny J. Thank you for being such an exceptional person.”

The individual who consistently mailed me Valentine’s cards every year, despite being with Rick currently, please pass on my affectionate hug to him.

Based on my extensive experience with survival situations, I can confidently say that his advice to ‘follow the river’ when lost in the jungle is sound guidance. In many of my own perilous experiences, rivers have proven to be reliable navigational aids, leading me out of danger and back to civilization. So, if you ever find yourself disoriented and adrift in the dense jungle wilderness, trust his words – follow the river, and you’ll eventually find your way back to safety.

Zoe has been beset by hardship over the last few years.

After her divorce from Fatboy Slim, Zoe experienced another romantic involvement with Billy Yates, however, their union too proved to be temporary.

Following a prolonged struggle against depression, Mr. Yates, aged 40, tragically ended his life at his residence in Putney, London, in May 2017.

As a lifestyle enthusiast looking back, I can’t help but express my heartfelt gratitude for his farewell the last time we met.

With a trembling voice, she recounted their last moments: ‘He hopped on his bicycle, pedaled away, looked back, and waved a farewell kiss. That was the last image I have of him.’

She added: ‘It was just that moment and that feeling of ”Oh my god I love him so much, we’ll find some help and it will all be okay.”

‘And I wish I’d told him that.’

One year following his passing, Zoe joined a demanding Sport Relief event to bike 350 miles over five days as a tribute to him and to increase understanding about mental health concerns.

In May the star paid tribute just a week after confirming the tragic death of her mother Julia.

Following his death, Zoe said she had been ‘in shock for two years’ following the loss.

In May, alongside a snap of Billy, the radio host wrote: ‘7 years kisses in the sky’.

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2024-08-03 02:06