3amCelebrity NewsGemma CollinsGemma Collins has shared with fans that her grief after losing her mum Joan is 'coming in waves' as she takes to social media to thank them for their support12:51, 01 Aug 2026Gemma Collins took to social media and candidly opened up on her grief journey following the tragic death of her beloved mum Joan. The 45 year old former reality TV star turned businesswoman explained to fans that her grief was "coming in waves" and thanked her legion of fans for their support, during the worst time of her life.‌In the heart-breaking Instagram post she uploaded an image of a memorial she had created to honour her mum, which included a picture of the two of them together, surrounded by candles and flowers.‌She captioned the heartfelt post saying: "Grief is the price we pay for love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every message, every prayer, every kind word. I’m reading them all and getting back to everyone slowly. Please bear with me. Some moments I feel okay, and then it comes in waves."‌She added: "One beautiful thing keeps happening. A butterfly has been with me constantly, appearing wherever I go. It brings me a sense of peace, and in my heart I truly feel it’s my mum letting me know she’s close, watching over me, and reminding me that love never really leaves us."‌She concluded her touching post adding: "Thank you all for holding me up with your kindness. It means more than you’ll ever know. She loved @paulmccartney and the @thebeatles I’m finding lots of healing listening to the music."Gemma shared with fans the devastating news earlier this week. Within her announcement, she said Joan had passed away "peacefully" and was "out of pain."Last month, the TV personality's mum was taken to hospital after contracting pneumonia for the second time within six months.Article continues belowShortly after Gemma revealed her heart-breaking news, fellow TOWIE star and former best pal Bobby Norris reached out to extend an olive branch, following their huge fall out which led to the end of their once inseparable friendship.Sharing a picture on his Instagram of him, Gemma and Joan while attending a showbiz event, he captioned the post saying: "Heartbroken to wake up to the news of Joan’s passing. She was a very special lady and I have always had a lot of love for her. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gemma and her family at this devastating time. Sleep Tight Joanie."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Gemma CollinsThe Only Way Is Essex