Kathy Griffin's Sister Joyce Griffin Passes Away After Battle With Cancer
Three years after her losing her brother Gary to esophageal cancer, comedian and actress Kathy Griffin lost her sister Joyce to an undisclosed type of cancer on Thursday.
Joyce, who was 65 years old, had been undergoing chemotherapy in the months leading up to her passing. She had even inspired Griffin back in July to shave her head to raise awareness for cancer:
In solidarity with her sister, who is going through chemo, @kathygriffin shaved her head. Donate to @AmericanCancer: https://t.co/NazIbJ9FQ2 pic.twitter.com/UXr9YH1LYc
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) July 31, 2017
Griffin’s mom chimed in on the tweet:
My daughter Kathleen Mary is a wonderful human being https://t.co/sEEDEBXMoR
— Maggie Griffin (@TipItMaggieG) July 31, 2017
Griffin posted a video in memory of her sister, saying, “My sister Joyce passed away peacefully last night.”
My sister Joyce passed away peacefully last night.
Check out this beautiful moment.
Support @AmericanCancer here: https://t.co/llSJg4sLGE pic.twitter.com/ElpwY937ZZ— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) September 15, 2017
Fans supported her with heartfelt messages.
May she have peace and comfort now. I’m into my third year as stage IV.
May your family find strength in the memories of happier times. xo— Gia Sonata (@RedGia) September 15, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Grief is a very individual journey. May you find comfort and peace as you walk this path.
— M Kathryn Reynolds (@profmkrey) September 16, 2017
Condolences and prayers for you and family Kathy.. no more pain for her..RIP
— RICK ANGEL (@ZEPPFAN) September 16, 2017
Kathy, my heart just broke reading this. I am so sorry. What a devastating loss. Sending you and your family love and a big hug ❤️
— Robin (@iamrobinmarie) September 15, 2017
I’ve loss two sisters and one brother, and I know very well what that pain is. This thread opened that pain for me again????
— Athea Hewitt (@hewitt_athea) September 16, 2017
I’ve lost two brothers. It was hard to imagine going on after the 2nd loss but 3. My heart breaks for you.
— ????Roslyn???? (@calirozzy) September 16, 2017
The American Cancer Society also shared a message.
Kathy we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts go out to you and your family. ❤️
— American Cancer Soc (@AmericanCancer) September 15, 2017
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Greg Hernandez
Trish is the Cancer Editor at The Mighty. She lost her father to stage 4 lung cancer in August 2016, and previously worked at a children’s cancer research organization, so she knows firsthand about the cancer experience. A lover of hip hop music, hot sauce and kimchi, she lives in Maryland with her husband, two dogs, cat and feisty 2-year-old daughter. Check her story out in the book, “A Letter to My Mom.“
trish-broome