Jonnie Irwin's selfless but heartbreaking wish for wife for after his death
Jonnie Irwin spoke of his despair at the thought of leaving his wife and young children prior to his passing.
The TV presenter, whose death was announced on social media this evening, discussed the prospect of his wife Jessica Holmes going on to meet someone else in the future - heartbreakingly confessing in 2022 that he wanted his partner to be happy following his passing but the thought of her remarrying broke his heart.
Jonnie and Jessica, 40, tied the knot in September 2016 and went on to welcome three children into the world together - Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Speaking in an interview in 2022, shortly after publicly revealing his terminal cancer diagnosis, Jonnie admitted that he was aware that it's likely Jess will go on to meet someone else following his death. "In a selfless way I want her to find someone else eventually and have some support, but at the same time, I don't. It breaks my heart," Jonnie poignantly explained.
Jonnie Irwin discussed his hopes for his wife Jessica's future after his death (Instagram)The late dad-of-two added to The Sun: "Jess is not the sort to go on a dating app and in a perfect world I suppose she will meet a divorcé dad or someone who has lost their partner. But it's not my business, I guess. That's her life as much as it hurts me to think this way." Jonnie and Jess met through mutual friends in 2016 and were married within a year after he popped the question in India.
Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he dies
Announcing his terminal diagnosis and death via an interview with Hello! magazine in 2022, Jonnie declared: "I'm doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible. I owe that to Jess and our boys. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family."
The late property guru was filming in Italy when he first realised something might be wrong with his health. In August 2020, Jonnie had an episode of blurry vision whilst he was driving - with subsequent tests confirming he had developed lung cancer, which had spread to his brain.
Jonnie leaves behind Jessica and their three sons; Rex, Rafa and Cormac (@Jonnieirwintv/Instagram)Jonnie's loved ones announced his death on Instagram this evening. Captioning a picture of Jonnie on a motorbike with his beloved wife, his family told Jonnie's followers: "In Loving Memory. 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.
"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."
Devastated fans have taken to social media to express their condolences. One wrote on X: "So incredibly sadden to hear that Jonnie Irwin has passed away. So brilliant on A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country. He was so incredibly brave and always seemed like a genuinely lovely guy. Condolences to him family. Rest in peace Jonnie."
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.
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