Christina Grimmie's Mother Tina Dies of Cancer Two Years After Singer Was Killed

Photo: Christina Grimmie / Instagram

Two years after her daughterChristina‘s tragic and sudden death, Tina Grimmie has died of breast cancer.

“We are saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Tina, also affectionately known as ‘Mama Grimmie’ to the millions of fans of Christina Grimmie around the world. She will be missed immensely,” the Grimmie family said in astatementshared on social media Sunday.

On June 10, 2016, Christina was shot after performing as the opening act for Before You Exit at The Plaza Live venue near downtown Orlando. Grimmie’s brother Marcus heroically tackled her assailant Kevin James Loibl to the ground, before the latter turned the gun on himself. The singer was 22.

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Humane Society Of The United State

“Tina Grimmie was a powerful and shining example of motherhood, being an amazing wife while giving love and encouragement to others. Her laugh, energy, passion and joyful spirit will eternally be a part of all of us,” the statement added.

In October 2014, Christina, who rose to fame on YouTube and laterThe Voice, revealed that her mother had battled breast cancer four times.

“My mom has had breast cancer four times, now. And she just got put back on chemo again,” she toldAXSat the time.

After Christina’s death, theChristina Grimmie Foundationwas created to support families who have lost a loved one to gun violence or have a member diagnosed with breast cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the Grimmie family asks that donations be made to the Christina Grimmie Foundation in Tina’s honor.

source: people.com