Jonnie Irwin’s Widow Tearfully Opens Up on Beloved TV Presenter’s Final Days Before Dying of Cancer
Jonnie Irwin’s widow, Jessica Holmes, has opened up about her husband’s last days before he passed away from cancer. The former presenter of A Place In The Sun died on February 2 this year at the age of 50, following a three-year battle with cancer, having been diagnosed in 2020.
Irwin spent his final days at home with his family after returning from the hospital. Reflecting on those moments, Holmes shared that her husband expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I’m so happy I met you.” He also mentioned their children, saying he knew they would “have the most joy and fun a person could bring”, via Daily Mail.
Holmes, who met Irwin in 2015 through mutual friends, spoke about their vibrant relationship, telling Hello! magazine, “We had so much fun, Jonnie and me, we were never boring, we weren’t best friends, we were lovers; there was passion.” The couple married in 2016 and had three children together.
Initially diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 2020, Irwin was given only six months to live. By 2022, he revealed that the cancer had spread to his brain, having kept his illness private until then.
During his last days, Holmes cared for Irwin at home with the assistance of nurses. Describing his passing as “cruel by how quick it was,” she recounted that Irwin did not leave his bed after returning from the hospital. Their oldest son, Rex, showed a tender moment of understanding by kissing his father’s hand, sensing that something was wrong.
Despite his illness, Irwin celebrated his 50th birthday with a holiday in Spain. He shared with Hello! magazine his feelings of privilege and triumph at reaching this milestone, saying, “I feel really privileged to be able to celebrate my birthday looking at blue skies and with sand between my toes. I had an early birthday party at the start of the year because I didn’t think I’d make it. It was like being at my own wake; lots of fun, lots of dancing. But here I am. I view it as a complete triumph.”
Irwin credited experimental therapies and diets for extending his life. Announcing his death in February, Holmes said, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit.”
Irwin’s legacy as a beloved TV presenter and his courageous battle against cancer continues to inspire and move those who follow his journey.