Jonnie Irwin's dying wish for sons after their final Father's Day together

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Jonnie Irwin
Jonnie Irwin's dying wish for sons after their final Father's Day together

Jonnie Irwin couldn't face telling his children that last year was their final Father's Day together as he shared his dying wish for his three boys.

A Place In The Sun star Jonnie announced in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer after his lung cancer spread to his brain. The Channel 4 presenter prepared to say a heartbreaking goodbye to wife Jess and their sons Rex, six, and two-year-old twins Cormac and Rafa. But he said he was not able to tell them the harrowing news as it will be just too confusing.

Jonnie's beloved wife announced the tragic news the presenter had died in a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Friday. "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 wrote.

Jonnie Irwin's dying wish for sons after their final Father's Day together eiqrtiqhxidzrinvJonnie said he was not able to tell his children the devastating news (INSTAGRAM)

"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," she added.

Last year, the 50-year-old told Hello! that he wanted his children to grow-up hard-headed and clear-eyed as he candidly spoke about the years ahead. He said: "I want them to have the confidence of a public school boy, but also be streetwise lads - they're happy kids, they laugh, and are a lot of fun to have around. I keep being asked, 'Are you going to tell them?' but tell them what? It would be horrible news that they'd have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex – he's got a shocking enough day coming. Let's bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible."

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

He said he planned to speak to wife and children after his death by recording video messages for them. “It's amazing to think I too could speak to my wife and children after I pass away," he told the BBC in 2023. "My diagnosis has taken a lot from me but it has given me the ability to prepare. The only way to make sure your digital legacy is as you like it, is to take control now," he added.

“I'm going to take every opportunity to do that for the people I love.” He said he kept the diagnosis a secret because he "had to pay the bills" and claimed that he was removed from hosting duties on Channel 4's property show after going public. After going public, Jonnie said he hoped that he could help others by sharing his experience, offering up his tips on life insurance policies and how he is helping protect his young family for the future.

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

Sam Elliott-Gibbs

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