Jill Zarin's husband, Bobby Zarin, has died following his battle with cancer.
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
"With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to share the news that our beloved Bobby Zarin passed away peacefully today surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer," the family wrote in a statement.
"There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you, everyone for all your love, and support during this difficult time."
Jill also opened up about her loss on Instagram by sharing a slideshow of photos on Sunday in which she was being affectionate with her late husband. As part of the caption, Jill noted Bobby's funeral would be held the next day on January 15.
"Rest In Peace my love. Words can not express the hole in my heart. Bobby taught me what true and deep love is. Thank you my love for sharing your life with me... for raising Allyson as if she was your own, being an amazing father and grandfather and teaching me how to be a better person," Jill captioned the post.
"You inspire those around you to be the best they can be. I will never forget you... your legacy lives on through your beautiful children and grandchildren. I will continue to raise money and awareness for ITOG (international Thyroid Oncology Group) so maybe this won't happen to the next guy who draws the proverbial short straw. I will continue to honor you and make you proud."
Jill continued, "You taught me so many lessons. I will turn the lights off when I leave a room and try not to lose my keys! Lists! Yes I will make lists now that you can't remind me. Thank you to all our friends, family and fans for the most incredible love you have shown our family... I will continue my tribute in the coming days and weeks."
Bobby's stepdaughter Ally shared a touching Instagram post of her own and revealed the service was going to be held at 10AM at Riverside Memorial in New York City.
Bobby was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009, but he had his thyroid removed and also underwent radioactive iodine treatment, People reported.
"The radioactive iodine usually kills off whatever undetectable cancer cells are left in your body after surgery," Bobby previously told the magazine. "We thought it was cured -- and it usually is in about 93 percent of cases. But I wasn't able to absorb the radioactive iodine. So it came back."
The cancer reportedly returned to Bobby's lungs, and then in Fall 2016, Jill disclosed that Bobby had a brain tumor.
Bobby underwent Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston as a result, according to People, but Jill had said his cancer "took an unexpected turn" in Summer 2017.
FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!
Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!
Bobby was therefore admitted to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where he recovered from another procedure.
"He is not going down without a fight," Jill told the magazine at the time, adding that she was in "shock" over Bobby's failing health because he was doing well for a very long time. "We're hoping for a miracle."
Cancer reportedly returned to Bobby's brain in the fall of last year and treatment continued, with Jill staying by his side.
"Sometimes life just isn't fair," Jill had said. "But we have such a great love story. He is the love of my life and I will do everything in my power to heal and care for him."
RELATED LINK: 'DANCING WITH THE STARS' PRO DANCERS: SEE WHO IS DATING OR MARRIED TO WHOM! (PHOTO GALLERY)
Bobby ran Zarin Fabrics, which was opened by his father Harry Zarin in 1936. In addition to Jill and Ally, the New York native is survived by his three children -- Jonathan Zarin, David Zarin and Jennifer Zarin.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
