Jonnie Irwin's poignant message to fans months before tragic death aged 50

02 February 2024 , 19:26

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Jonnie Irwin's poignant message to fans months before tragic death aged 50

Jonnie Irwin, who has died at the age of 50, shared a poignant message with fans back in November after celebrating a milestone he never believed he'd reach.

News of the well-loved A Place In The Sun presenter's death has today been shared by his devastated wife, Jessica Holmes. In a heartbreaking post shared to Instagram, Jessica wrote: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit."

She continued: "At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts. Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten."

Just three months ago, Jonnie opened up candidly as he planned for his 50th birthday celebrations amid his cancer battle, having 'never thought he'd make it'. The presenter was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 - which then spread to his brain.

Jonnie was told he wouldn't see his twins turn three (Instagram/jonnieirwintv)

The presenter was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 (jonnieirwintv/Instagram)

Initially, Jonnie, who had three children Rex, four, and twins Rafa and Cormac, three, was told he wouldn't live to see his twins' third birthday party. He was, however, there to celebrate them, and turned his focus to living the best life he could with his family and friends.

Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he dies

For his 50th birthday, which he marked on November 18, Jonnie travelled to Spain to celebrate the special milestone with his family, hailing their celebration as a 'triumph'. Speaking with Hello! magazine at the time, Jonnie said: "I feel really privileged to be able to celebrate my birthday looking at blue skies and with sand between my toes. I had an early birthday party at the start of the year because I didn't think I'd make it. It was like being at my own wake; lots of fun, lots of dancing. But here I am. I view it as a complete triumph."

In another interview with The Sun, Jonnie admitted he'd never thought about death but was forced him to think about it on account of his tough battle. "I’d never thought about dying, despite the cancer, and Jess and I don’t talk about it," he said. "But at my weakest point, I thought, ‘This is it, this is the beginning of the end’.

In November, the same month he turned 50, Jonnie revealed that the tumour in his lung had spread to his brain, stating that his focus was on on creating memories with his wife and children. In his final months, he regularly took to social media to share videos and photos of family nights and outings.

In October, Jonnie celebrated his seventh wedding anniversary with Jessica, 40, who he married in 2016. enjoying some alone time together at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Taking to Instagram, the TV star shared a snapshot from their night, showing him and his wife sitting opposite each other preparing to enjoy a dessert.

Sharing the image online, Jonnie added the following caption: “Seven years married to this Angel. I use this term because the love she shows to others is beyond comparison. Last night was just us; chatting, planning, and gossiping. So good. Amazing food and staff at @lovagejesmond made our evening perfect. #anniversary.”

His post drew attention from social media followers - with fellow A Place in the Sun star Jasmine Harman among those reacting to the post. She wrote: "Gosh 7 years! I remember your wedding day like yesterday! Lots of love to you both and Happy Anniversary." Fellow A Place in the Sun host Amanda Lamb also responded, writing: "Happiest of days to you both you gorgeous pair" alongside three red heart emojis.

Julia Banim