Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey has paid tribute to her late mother, Jo Wilder, who died just one week after confirming her cancer diagnosis.08:49, 08 Jul 2026Updated 08:49, 08 Jul 2026Jennifer Grey has announced the death of her mother, Jo Wilder, who has died at the age of 94, just one week after learning that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer.‌The former Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller's Day Off star, 66, shared a selection of images of her mother in her youth, with an emotional tribute detailing her passions and bravery after learning of her diagnosis.‌The caption of the tribute read: "My mother, Jo Wilder, passed away on July 4th at 94 — by her own choosing, on her own terms, exactly as she lived.‌She added of her cancer diagnosis: "A week earlier, she learned she had lung cancer. True to who she was, she chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.‌"She was gorgeous and talented — a promising young actress on the New York stage in her youth. She used to say she never fully answered that calling; she became a mother instead. If she’d chosen ambition over my brother and me, we never would have had the mother we had.Jennifer further spoke about her mother's role as an activist: "Her passion found other outlets: she was a lifelong activist, fiercely attuned to right and wrong. And for years, many people discovered her extraordinary eye through Wilder Place, her store on Melrose."She was brave and deep. I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do it all, even this, with grace."‌After sharing this emotional post, Jennifer was supported by her celebrity friends including Richard E Grant who simply responded with several love heart emojis.‌Frozen actor Josh Gad replied: "Sending you so much love"Fellow friends actress Maggie Wheeler, who has been close with Jennifer since school, replied: "I have been thinking of you so much. I am lucky to have known your beautiful mother through the years of our friendship. She was fierce and kind and curious.. and .. she was deeply blessed with a daughter who showed her the most unwavering love unwavering support. "The Mindy Project's Beth Grant replied: "I love you, Jennifer. What a beautiful share about your beautiful mom. So great to read how much you honor her life which will, indeed be a blessing."Article continues belowIn June, the actress shared a post about her own health, revealing to followers: "I have a history of thyroid cancer, the anxiety of dense breast tissue with inconclusive mammograms."In the same post she said she was dedicated to staying healthy: "With both of my parents still here at 94, I have reason to be optimistic, but I want to do everything I can to stick around — healthy — for as long as possible."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.