America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal shared mom Tina VanderWaal died
following a battle with breast cancer: “Can’t yet find the words.”
Grace VanderWaal’s family is mourning a tremendous loss.
The America’s Got Talent season 11 champion shared her mother Tina VanderWaal died following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 53.
“Can’t yet find the words,” Grace, 21, wrote on Instagram Oct. 21 alongside a carousel of pictures of her and her mom. “I love you mommy. So much. I wake up and want to call you. I don’t know how to move forward without you. I love you.”
One day prior, he singer’s dad Dave WanderWaal had confirmed his wife’s Oct. 20 passing, in a lengthy statement detailing her legacy.
“Remembering the beautiful life and love of our amazing Tina,” he wrote on Facebook . “It’s hard to find the words to adequately express our family sorrow, but I want to share the sad news that our beloved Tina VanderWaal—’Superwife’ and Mother ‘extraordinaire’ —passed over to the Lord’s hands last night, October 20. She was a fighter to the end of her long, 17-month battle with cancer, always finding a positive outlook no matter what—for herself and, even more importantly, for others facing the same difficult journey.”
Dave also dad to children Jakob, 26, and Olivia, 25, with Tina—reflected on his wife of 27 years’ best qualities.
“Tina truly was the heart of our family, filling our lives with creativity, laughter, and love,” he continued. “Whether she was designing beautiful jewelry, teaching others to discover their creative spirit, or making every holiday and family moment special, she brought light and joy to everything she touched.”
InstagramHe added, “While our hearts ache, I take comfort in knowing that Tina is now in Heaven—her bright, shining light still guiding us. I know we’ll see her again one day. Until then, we’ll hold tight to the love, joy, and beauty she gave us. She was a laser beam of light to all who knew her.”
Tina—who documented her journey with breast cancer on social media—shared in September that she had completed her second round of radiation.
Alongside a video of her sharing the celebratory news and a series of throwback pictures of her undergoing treatment and smiling with her kids on the Sept 19 Instagram post, Tina wrote, “Radiation 2 done…8 more to go!”
Following the news of Tina’s passing many of Grace’s friends and peers expressed their condolences, including Lauren Jauregui, who wrote under the Stargirl alum’s post, “sending you so much love angel,” while Selma Blair added, “I am so so sorry.”
