Jonnie Irwin’s wife supported TV star through cancer battle – as couple dreamed of future with their three children
TV STAR Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50 – leaving behind his wife of seven years and three small kids.
The A Place in the Sun host previously told how he had dreamed of plans for the future while battling lung cancer for three years.
Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain as Jonnie revealed in 2022 he had just six months to live.
He leaves behind wife Jess, his eldest son Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac, born in June 2020.
Jonnie met wife Jess through mutual friends in summer 2015 and both said they knew they had met ‘The One’.
Jess, 41, was left devastated by her husband’s illness but told of his will to live for her and the boys
She previously said: “He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper.
“If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie.
“It’s just very unfair and I’m angry at how much it’s ruined the last couple of years, how much it’s taken away from us enjoying having a new family.
The Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
He said last March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
“They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
“I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
Jonnie also told how the first warning signs for his cancer came in 2020 when his vision went blurry during filming.
He said within a week of flying back from Italy, he was told he had six months to live.
Jonnie underwent chemotherapy to help prolong the prognosis as he opened up on telling his wife he was dying.
He said: “Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live.
“I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much.
“That was devastating. All I could do was apologise to her. I felt so responsible.”
His death was announced on Instagram today by his family.
The post reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing.
LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS
Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.
- Having a cough most of the time
- Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
- Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
- Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
- Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
- Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
- Losing your appetite
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Losing weight
“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.”
