Zoe Ball shared what turned out to be the last photos of her mother Julia during a New Year’s holiday in the Caribbean, four months before her death from pancreatic cancer.
The BBC Radio 2 star confirmed her passing in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning, alongside a photo of Julia in her youth.
Ball, 52, had previously announced her mother’s cancer diagnosis in March, shortly after posting what would be Julia’s last photo, taken during a family vacation in Antigua.
The presenter flew to the Caribbean island with her loved ones, including son Woody, 23, daughter Nelly, 14, and mother Julia, for a tropical New Year’s holiday in December.
Taking to social media on Jan. 7, Ball shared a montage of photos and videos from the trip, including a photo of her and Julia enjoying a night out.
Zoe Ball shared what turn out to be the last photos of her mother Julia during a New Year’s vacation in the Caribbean, four months before her death from pancreatic cancer.
The presenter flew to the Caribbean island with her loved ones, including son Woody, daughter Nelly and mother Julia, for a tropical New Year’s holiday in December.
Captioning the posts, she wrote: “sons, suns and daughters, mothers, wanderers and daughters, rum and blue waters breaking the end of 2023 and a splendid beginning of 2024. Feeling very blessed, rested and a little chubby.”
Earlier this week, Ball told his BBC Radio 2 listeners that Julia had been moved to a hospice, while dedicating a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who helped her.
Just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother’s passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: “Sleep well, dear Mum.”
‘Thank you for teaching us to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how, even on the darkest days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
He continued: ‘We are heartbroken without you, but we will hold each other very tight. Your grace and your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light up the stars to guide us.’
After announcing her mother’s illness last month, Gaby Roslin ‘occasionally’ stepped in to replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the couple could spend time together.
Ball shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred to hospice, telling listeners that things were “pretty tough right now for the family.”
She said: “Things are so difficult for my mum right now, just sending so much love.” I love you mama.”
Julia in another photo taken during the trip to Antigua. Ball confirmed his death Wednesday morning.
Ball announced the death of his ‘dear mom’ in the early hours of Wednesday morning along with a photo of Julia in her youth.
Ball’s son, Woody Cook, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham, who died in 2013, adding, “I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug for me.”
The BBC Ball presenter is pictured with her mother Julia at the Dorchester Hotel in London in 2011.
The broadcaster’s son Woody, whom she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook, better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Today I say goodbye to Grandma J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,” she wrote, sharing a younger photo with her grandmother.
Woody, who appeared on the Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham.
He said: ‘The only person who always sent me a Valentine’s card. I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug for me.
‘I know he said once, when you were panicking in a helicopter over the jungle: ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You will find it at the end.
Ball revealed his mother’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, while telling fans on social media that he would be taking time from his BBC show to focus on his family, who were going through “difficult times.” “, but added that his mother was being extremely ‘brave.’