Actress Jennifer Grey, known for her starring role in the film Dirty Dancing, has announced the death of her mother, Jo Wilder, who passed away at the age of 94, just a week after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
In an emotional message posted on Instagram, the 66-year-old actress revealed that her mother had chosen to leave “on her terms” and “with dignity”.
“True to the way he was all his life, he chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.” wrote Jennifer Grey.
A touching tribute to his mother
The star described Jo Wilder as a woman “beautiful and talented”, who sacrificed his career for his family.
“If she had chosen ambition over me and my brother, we would never have had the mother I had. Her passion found other forms of expression: she was a lifelong activist with a strong sense of justice.” the actress said.
Jennifer Gray also recalled the home decor store her mother ran for years in Los Angeles and ended the message with an emotional statement:
“I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do everything, even this, with grace.”
The post was accompanied by several black and white photos from the family archive, in which Jo Wilder appears both alone and with her daughter and son.
Messages of support from celebrities
Journalist Katie Couric sent the actress “a lot of love”, describing Jo Wilder as straight “an extraordinary model”, while actress Julianne Moore simply wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss”Page Six reports.
And Tracy Pollan, actress and wife of Michael J. Fox, paid tribute.
“I feel blessed to have had your beautiful mother in my life. I will always cherish the memory of her warmth, love and wisdom. I am deeply saddened that she is gone, but grateful that she left us with the same dignity with which she lived.” wrote this.
For his part, Jennifer Grey’s ex-husband, actor Clark Gregg, expressed his condolences through a message.
Jennifer Gray has often spoken in recent years about her close relationship with her mother. On Mother’s Day 2024, the actress publishes a photo with Jo Wilder and her brother, accompanied by the message: “We are so lucky to be able to celebrate our wonderful mother. We had a wonderful day with this 92-year-old beauty.”
