Instagram
The Block’s Dan and Dani Reilly have shared a heartfelt tribute to their late daughter Billie, who tragically passed away at 10 days old.
Taking to Instagram to reflect on their time with their daughter, Dani wrote, “Today marks 4 weeks since our Billie girl came into our lives & everything changed. How is it possible to have both a full & broken heart at the same time?!”
“It’s true what they say, time is a thief – but on the other hand, it also gave us so much. So many memories and firsts for Billie,” she continued – sharing a selection of her “favourite things or moments about Billie.”
“The day that will always be known as “Billie’s Day” was one of the best of our lives – When Billie Vera met [the couple’s two dogs] Hazel Valentine & Olive June. All our girls together. Billie’s Day was rounded out with time in the sunshine listening to the birds, music, crafts, bathing, hair brushing, reading The Faraway Tree as a family, & truly precious cuddles we’ll remember forever.”
“I remember seeing her cute little button nose at my 20-week scan & I’ve not stopped talking about it since. I would trace my fingers over her nose & face as much as I could. I hope I’ll always be able to remember what that felt like. Perfection. Waking up at midnight with her on my chest – something I had imagined doing every day I was pregnant. Despite the machines & tubes, & how tricky it was to move her, the doctors & nurses aka Billie’s Besties, made it possible.”
“Billie, we’ll love & celebrate you for an eternity & you’ll always be the sun ☀️.”
On December 20, 2024, the couple took to Instagram to announce the devastating news.
“It is with insurmountable grief that we share the news that our daughter Billie, has passed on from this life and into the next at just 10 days young,” the couple wrote.
“In Billie’s short time in this world, she taught us an intensity of both love and pain we never knew possible. She taught us what really matters. Billie was so wanted, so loved and she made us parents… and what an honor it is to be her mummy and daddy. She will always be our daughter.
“It’s clear to us that Billie was far too good for this world but if we know anything for sure, it’s that Billie’s legacy will make an impact greater than all of us.”
The couple went on to thank ‘Billie’s Besties’ at The Royal Womens. “The nurses, doctors & staff in NICU are some of the most incredible people to walk this earth and we’ll be forever grateful for the care and love they gave our girl, and us,” they shared, before asking those who can, to make a donation in Billie’s honour to The Royal Women’s Hospital.
They also admitted that they knew the public announcement would raise many questions, but asked for privacy during this difficult time.
“We understand there will be questions, and so many of the answers we just don’t have yet,” they continued. “We’ll share more in time but for now we ask for privacy as we work through this together and with our loved ones.”
“’You look so pretty, pretty like the sun. I could watch forever, while you shine on everyone.’ We love you Billie,” they concluded.
Australians first met Dan and Dani in 2012 when they became contestants on The Block while they were dating. In the years since, the couple have remained close to The Block franchise, with Dan taking on a foreman role on the show and the pair hosting the Dan vs Dani series, in which they critique the room reveals of the season.
The couple tied the knot in 2018 after nine years together, celebrating their nuptials on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and announced their pregnancy in July 2024,
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. You can call the SANDS 24/7 bereavement support line on 1300 308 307 or visit the website.
