Celebrity tributes have been pouring in all day after Kate Garraway announced that her husband, Derek Draper, had died aged 56.
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Kate Garraway announces death of husband Derek
Today, Kate announced that Derek has sadly passed away. Derek had been battling the effects of Covid since contracting it back in 2020.
Kate uploaded a picture of Derek to her Instagram this morning.
“I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications,” she wrote.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course, I will do so in due course, but for now, I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life,” she then added.
Tributes from celebrities pour in
Celebrities took to the comment section to send their condolences and love to Kate following the heartbreaking news.
“Our whole hearts are with you all,” Kate’s GMB co-star Susanna Reid wrote. “By your side always,” Richard Arnold wrote.
Charlotte Hawkins added: “So desperately sorry Kate, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. So much love to you all.”
“Thinking of Kate and their children at this sad time. Derek Draper was razor sharp, had a good heart, and was really fun. RIP,” regular GMB commentator Kevin Maguire said on Twitter.
“So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love,” Lorraine Kelly commented.
“Heartbroken for you and your children Kate. So much love coming your way from so many. may Derek’s star always shine brightest for you,” Zoe Ball wrote.
“So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family,” Elton John added.
‘A brilliantly clever, funny man’
Piers Morgan, a close friend of the couple, shared a picture of the two of them at one of his Christmas parties to his Instagram grid. He added the caption: “RIP Derek Draper.
“A brilliantly clever and funny man who fought his Covid health hell with such courage and resilience, helped every step of the way by his magnificent wife Kate whose loyal, loving, selfless devotion was truly astounding.”
Piers then added: “This photo was taken when they attended my annual Christmas pub party in December 2019, just after Kate got back from doing I’m A Celebrity during which the country got to see at first hand what a brilliant marriage they had.
“They talked excitedly that night about renewing their wedding vows the following summer. But just three months later, Derek got the virus, was rushed to hospital, and their near-4yr nightmare began.
“This is a heartbreaking day for Kate and their two lovely children Darcey and Billy, and for Derek’s family. My deepest love and condolences to them all,” he concluded.
ITV issues statement
ITV’s Kevin Lygo, Managing Director Media and Entertainment, also said in a statement: “Everyone that has worked with Kate at ITV over the past few years are desperately saddened to hear this terrible news.”
He then added: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Kate and Derek’s family and we will continue to offer our support in any way we can at this very difficult time.”
Tributes for Derek Draper as Kate Garraway announces his death
More tributes flowed in. “Your love and devotion over these last few years has been inspirational. I am sure there will be so much love that will come your way over the days and weeks ahead and hope it can provide some comfort to you and the children,” Gabby Logan said.
“So sorry Kate. Sending love to all your family,” Ronan Keating then commented. “Sorry to hear this Kate. We send all our love. Thoughts with you all,” Peter Andre said.
Kate’s followers were also amongst those paying tribute. “I’m so sorry Kate. I don’t know how you have held it together for so long to be on TV and radio. You are a warrior and did everything you possibly could for him. He is at peace now,” one said.
“This is awful news Kate, you really have been a rock to Derek and life is just so cruel,” another wrote.
“He fought so well. Sending you, the children and your family and friends my sincere condolences and a million hugs. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in these coming weeks,” a third said.
Read more: Kate Garraway and kids spending Christmas at Derek Draper’s bedside in hospital
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