Last week, Kate Garraway broke the tragic news that her 'darling' husband Derek Draper had passed away, aged 56.
The Good Morning Britain presenter shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Friday (5 January), adding she was 'by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours'.
Both Kate and Derek caught Covid-19 early in the pandemic but while her case was mild, her husband was hospitalised and placed into a coma.
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Since then, former politician Derek - who she married back in 2005 and shares daughter Darcey, 17, and son Billy, 14, with - had suffered with serious medical complications since he contracted the virus, including kidney failure, brain inflammation and liver damage.
Kate's heartbreaking Instagram statement last week began: "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."
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The ITV presenter assured fans: "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."
Now, just a fews days after her beloved husband's passing, 56-year-old Kate has broken her silence with another heartfelt message about Derek.
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A pre-recorded tribute - emailed by Kate - was read out by her GMB co-star Susanna Reid to viewers today (8 January).
She started by saying: "Hello everyone. Thank you all so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy, and all of Derek's family.
"They are an extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.
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"And that is the wonderful thing, isn't it, about our Good Morning Britain family - that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life."
TV favourite Kate went on: "Knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we share too.
"I am certain that it is the support you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly 4 years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those that can't fight for themselves.
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"And it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come. I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again."
She continued: "I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. My family is so grateful we could be with our dearest Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share.
"Maybe you too are going through grief yourself, or have done in the past. I send love and support to you too.
"We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle."
Kate ended her statement by saying: "I shall be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close - all my love, Kate."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: Kate Garraway, Good Morning Britain, ITV, TV And Film, Celebrity, Covid-19
Rhianna Benson