David Furnish pays tribute to his ‘beautiful and angelic’ mother Gladys as she passes away with him and his brothers by her side
- Taking to Instagram on Friday, the 56-year-old wrote a touching tribute and shared a picture of his mother and father on their wedding day
- Susannah Constantine, Elizabeth Hurley, Natalie Imbruglia and Jake Shears were among the celebrity well-wishers
- David’s husband Elton John recently revealed Furnish bravely entered rehab for alcoholism after failing to cope with his partner’s fame
- Born in Canada, Mr Furnish met Sir Elton in 1993 – three years after the star had given up alcohol
David Furnish has revealed his ‘beautiful and angelic’ mother Gladys has passed away.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, the 56-year-old wrote a touching tribute and shared a picture of his mother and father on their wedding day.
He wrote: ‘Today I lost my beautiful, angelic Mother. She passed away peacefully in the middle of the night, with me and my brothers by her side.
Sweet words: David Furnish has paid tribute to his ‘beautiful and angelic’ mother Gladys as she passed away with him and his brothers by her side
He wrote: ‘Today I lost my beautiful, angelic Mother. She passed away peacefully in the middle of the night, with me and my brothers by her side’
Something to say: He shared these lovely words on Instagram on Friday
‘Mum radiated gentle kindness. She was utterly devoted to her family. We all richly benefitted from her patient wisdom and bountiful love.
‘I treasure this photo of Mum and Dad on their wedding day – bursting with joy and fresh-faced optimism over their union and the life they planned to build together.
‘They shared the greatest love I have ever known; A rock-solid foundation from which my brothers and I flourished.’
He concluded: ‘Rest in peace Mum. You lived your life impeccably. I will never forget you. I promise to do my best to pass the gifts you gave to me on to my own beautiful sons.’
A host of David’s friends penned some lovely messages of support in the comments section of the post.
Susannah Constantine wrote: ‘Gladys – 24 carat goodness. She will live on in you, your boys and your brothers. Love, strength and prayers.’
Brave: David’s husband Elton John recently revealed he bravely entered rehab for alcoholism after failing to cope with his partner’s fame
Designer Jasper Conran wrote: ‘You poor fellow. How marvellous that she was so loved and was so loving. RIP to her and love to you. Jasper.’
Scissor Sisters star Jake Shears wrote: ‘Sending so much love to you and your family. I’m so sorry. Your mom was such a sweet and gentle woman. And you have been the most loving son. Love you so much David.’
New mother Natalie Imbruglia penned: ‘Oh darling, so sorry.. I’m sending love.’TV host Dermot O’Leary added: ‘Beautiful words David. My condolences. Big love.’
And Elizabeth Hurley wrote: ‘All our thoughts are with you, my precious friend.’
It’s been a tough time for David over the past few years.
His husband Elton John recently revealed he bravely entered rehab for alcoholism after failing to cope with his partner’s fame.
Furnish took to drink after struggling to live in the public eye and suffering loneliness because Sir Elton was away on tour so much.
Four years after the couple adopted their sons Elijah and Zachary, the boozing had become so severe that Sir Elton feared they would split up.
When Mr Furnish left rehab, Sir Elton – who has endured his own well-publicised battle with drink and drugs – joined him at his Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Born in Canada, Mr Furnish met Sir Elton in 1993 – three years after the star had given up alcohol.
Family support: Mr Furnish is pictured with Sir Elton and their children Elijah Furnish-John and Zachary Furnish-John