Sunrise host Samantha Armytage has said her final goodbyes to her mother, Libby, who has passed away 10 days before her 69th birthday.
The 44-year-old TV presenter delivered a moving eulogy in Wagga Wagga, NSW on Friday after sharing that her mother’s death had left a “huge, irreparable” hole in her heart.
“Mum used to say often, you’re only as happy as your unhappiest child. She knew we had all finally found happiness, and so she left,” she said, tears flowing.
“She was very kind and very, very polite. She had the most extraordinary flair in creativity and great taste. She adored the theatre and the ballet.”
“She’ll be redecorating heaven, and making it tasteful,” she said. “She’ll be hanging out with her beloved dad and Pippy the dog. I like to think of her now as our Guardian angel.
“’She’s gone too soon. But, as Gregory says, it is written.”
Sam’s fiance Richard Lavender and sister Georgie were her sources of support, along with Libby’s mother Dorothy, father Mac and brother Charlie. Her co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch and their executive producer Michael Pell were also present for the ceremony, which was live-streamed for those who weren’t able to pay their respects in person.
“I like to remember her best, go-go dancing around to Elvis at the Lounge Room at Bolero,” Sam finished her speech. “We’re all a bit lost. I’m not sure you knew how much of an anchor you were to all of us. Thank you, we love you, and we’ll miss you.”
The TV presenter first announced the heartbreaking news to her 245k followers on Instagram, posting a gut-wrenching gallery of the family in happier times.
“She had fought bravely for a long time and suffered a lot, but finally her big-loving heart just couldn’t do it anymore,” she wrote in the caption. “We are very, very sad. She was wonderful; kind, loving, loyal, wildly wicked, funny & formidable.”
While the exact cause of Libby’s death wasn’t disclosed, she had been hospitalised back in August with heart failure caused by an autoimmune disease.
Many of Sam’s famous friends left their well-wishes on the post.
“Sending you, Mac, Georgie, Charlie and the family love and hugs at the worst time.” wrote Natalie Barr. She was wonderful.”
“Ohhhhhhh,” added Larry Emdur. “We’re so so so sorry to heart that news. I know what a constant and brilliant light your mum was in your life… Sending you so much love and hugs right now.”
Mark Beretta wrote: “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.”
“Libby was an amazing woman,” Sally Obermeder penned. “Her smile and that laugh are etched in my heart. We are heartbroken. Sending you all our love and strength.”
Our thoughts are with Sam and her family.
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