Samantha Armytage shares heartbreaking family news
Samantha Armytage announced over the weekend that her mum, Libby Armytage, has died.
The Sunrise host shared the devastating news to Instagram on Saturday afternoon, writing: “Last Tuesday afternoon, a little while after the Melbourne Cup was run, our beautiful mumma passed away, just 10 days before her 69th birthday.
“She had fought bravely for a long time and suffered a lot, but finally her big-loving heart just couldn’t do it anymore,” Armytage wrote.
“Mums are the centre of a family and losing ours has thrown us all in a spin & left a huge, irreparable hole in each of our hearts.
“We are very, very sad.
“She was wonderful; kind, loving, loyal, wildly wicked, funny & formidable.”
Armytage posted several photos of her brilliant mum as well as a photo of her rose garden which was “her happy place”.
“She will be missed forever, but she’s at peace now … forever an angel,” Armytage wrote.
A number of Armytage’s colleagues reacted to the heartbreaking post.
The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur commented: “Ohhhhhhhh @sam_armytage, we’re so so so sorry to hear that news.
“I know what a constant and brilliant light your mum was in your life. sending you so much love and huge hugs right now.”
Sports presenter Mark Beretta shared his own condolences, writing: “You, Mac and your beautiful family are in our thoughts and prayers Sam. We’re all here for you. Libby was a wonderful lady, with a golden heart. Sending a giant hug.”
Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell commented: “We’re all thinking of you Sammy.”
In August, Armytage revealed in an Instagram post that her mum had been “gravely ill for a while”.
“She has an auto-immune disease which has resulted in heart failure,” the TV host wrote.
In the same post in August, she announced that her dad had recently had a stroke.
“He’s a tough old buggar & he’s in rehab, frustrated but determined,” she wrote.
“And giving plenty of cheek to his long-suffering, wonderful nurses.”
She ended the heartbreaking post by writing: “To anyone out there with loved ones in the hospital right now or anyone out there near your parents right now, give them a hug for me.
“Now, can 2020 just p*ss off already.”