Heartbroken Dad Shares Final Goodbye to ‘Dancing Queen’ Daughter After Tragic Battle with Rare Cancer
Joe and Elisha Smith faced every parent’s worst nightmare when their 6-year-old daughter Joules was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor earlier this year, reported by US Magazine. Despite the family’s determination and strength, Joe confirmed last week that their beloved little girl had passed away on Monday, December 9.
In an emotional TikTok video titled “Joules we love you forever”, Joe said: “Our beautiful little dancing queen passed away in between me and Elisha in our bed. Joules has been an absolute inspiration to everyone, and I’m so proud to be her dad.”
The family’s journey began in May when Joe revealed Joules had been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)—a rare and fast-growing tumor that develops in the brainstem. According to Children with Cancer UK, this aggressive cancer has a devastating survival rate, with over 90% of children passing away within 18 months of diagnosis.
Joe recalled how it started with “a few little changes” in Joules’ behavior. Although doctors initially reassured them that nothing was wrong, the parents trusted their instincts and took her back to the hospital the following day. That’s when they received the devastating news: Joules had an inoperable and terminal brain tumor.
“Parents know best,” Joe said, holding back tears. “We were told the devastating news that Joules has a mass on her brain… unfortunately it is inoperable and terminal.”
In the months that followed, Joe turned to TikTok to raise awareness about childhood brain cancer, sharing heartwarming videos of him and Joules dancing together. The hashtag “#danceforJoules” quickly went viral, with thousands joining the movement to show support.
When Joules passed away, Joe shared another tearful update: “The reason we haven’t been on social media is because we had to spend every single second with our beautiful princess Joules – and we did just that. We didn’t leave that little girl’s side.”
He encouraged supporters to “carry on dancing for our beautiful little Joules, because I know she’ll still be dancing.”
Since Joules’ passing, Joe’s update video has been viewed over 2.5 million times, and the “dancing for Joules” hashtag has surpassed 3,000 videos on TikTok, with users dedicating dances to the little girl’s memory.
The family has announced Joules’ funeral will take place on December 27 at The Garden of Eden Crematorium in Kent. Joe requested attendees wear “pink and blue for Stitch and Angel colors” in Joules’ honor, while encouraging donations to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
“She was the bravest, kindest, most beautiful little girl, and we miss her so much,” Joe said, vowing to continue raising awareness for DIPG in her memory.