Louis Tomlinson’s mother Johannah Deakin has passed away only a week before her 43rd birthday after a fight with leukemia, E! News reports. One Direction fans will remember Louis’s mom as his go-to date for public events, as seen earlier this year when she was right by his side at the Brit Awards.Â
Johannah’s family released a statement reading, “Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggresive form of leukemia that required immediate and continuous treatment. We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private.”
Louis’s stepdad Dan Deakin praised his wife in the statement, saying, “I thoroughly loved walking through life with her.” Together, the couple had now two-year-old twins, and Johannah leaves behind five other children, including Louis.
Friends flooded to social media to share their sympathies, among them Simon Cowell, several of Louis’s former One Direction bandmates and even Liam Payne’s ex Danielle Peazer.
Heartbroken for you @Louis_Tomlinson. Your mum Jay was an incredible person. Sending you all my love
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 9, 2016
@Louis_Tomlinson love you bro! All of your family is in my prayers. proud of your strength and know your mum is too x
— zayn (@zaynmalik) December 9, 2016
@Louis_Tomlinson pic.twitter.com/Ys4SpN49hN
— Liam (@LiamPayne) December 9, 2016
Such heartbreaking news, my thoughts are with @Louis_Tomlinson and his family at this time. She was such a lovely person
— Danielle Peazer (@DaniellePeazer) December 9, 2016
Our hearts are with Louis and his family during this difficult time.Â