Zoe Ball, the first female host of the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, announced on social media that her mother, Julia Peckham, who was stricken with cancer, has died. Following the tragic diagnosis, Ball took some time off work to care for her mother and spend more time with her. She also notified her supporters that presenter Gaby Roslin would take over her duties during her absence.

“Heartbreakingly, our dear Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer. As many of you know from personal experience, these are terribly difficult times. Mum is being so brave. “My brother Jamie and I are utterly in awe of the amazing physicians, nurses, and support workers that are looking after Mum. Thank you. “We are grateful to our families, extended family, and friends at home and at work for their support at this time,” Ball wrote on social media.Ball announced on X early Wednesday that her mother had passed away due to cancer. “We are bereft without you, but we will hold so tight to each other,” the presenter wrote. “Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.”

Julia was admitted to a hospice a few days before she died. Ball previously discussed her fractured connection with her mother and how the two reconnected after 14 years. When her parents divorced, Ball moved in with her father, Johnny Ball, a children’s  TV presenter, and had not seen her mother since she was five years old until her late twenties, according to BBC.Ball mustered the bravery to respond to Julia’s 40th birthday party invitation, and the two reconnected. We are deeply saddened for this loss. May she rest peacefully.