Lisa Curry and her ex-husband Grant Kenny are going through what no parent should ever have to – saying goodbye to one of their children.
On Monday September 14, the family confirmed their beloved oldest child Jaimi Lee Curry Kenny had passed away following a private battle with a long-term illness.
The family are choosing not to disclose the exact nature of Jaimi’s illness.
And now, Jaimi’s mother Lisa Curry has broken her silence to pay tribute to her “beautiful daughter” in a powerful and touching essay.
On Tuesday morning, the Olympic swimmer took to Instagram to remember Jaimi, while admitting her grief was still so raw and overpowering.
“Our hearts are completely broken. 💔So loved. So beautiful. So kind to everyone…. So painful. I can barely breathe,” the 58-year-old began.
“Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself. Her love of flowers, cooking, art, decorating, photography, babies, the beach, and helping others will always be remembered.”
“Our hearts are broken and the pain is unbearable but we cherish every wonderful moment we got to share with our treasured and so loved first child.”
Lisa has remembered Jaimi as a “a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself.”
(Image: Instagram)The I’m A Celeb star went on to thank the medical professionals looking after her daughter for their hard work.
“We thank all the paramedics, support staff and the incredible team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for their tireless commitment to give us the extra time we were able to spend with Jaimi,” the mother-of-three said.
“It goes without saying that this is a very difficult time for our family and all who knew and loved Jaimi so very much.”
“Rest in peace my beautiful baby. I will miss you every sunrise, I will miss you when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I will miss you when the clouds are dark and stormy and when the rainbow appears. I will miss you when I close my eyes. I will miss you when I open my eyes. I will miss our long hugs and long chats. I will miss watching, feeling and knowing your love for your sister and brother, your little nephew, Cleo, your Ma and dad😞.”
Lisa signed off her powerful message in disbelief that her first-born child was no longer with her.
“I just can’t believe you’re not here anymore. I sit and just shake my head. It doesn’t seem real or right. You will forever be with me in my heart Jaimi. I love you so much. 🌸👼💕.”
Lisa (centre) with her daughters Morgan (L), Jaimi (R) and grandson Flynn on her 2018 wedding day to Mark Tabone.
(Image: The Weekly/Bauer syndication)The sports star’s post was quickly inundated with well wishes from many of Lisa’s famous friends.
“I can’t imagine. Sending love x,” the Living Room‘s Amanda Keller wrote.
“So sorry for your tragic loss,” The Block‘s Darren Palmer said.
“My dear friend! My heart is hurting for you right now! Sending love and light. Jaimie was a beautiful soul inside and out and so very loved. I am her for you,” Lisa’s good friend from the jungle Nat Bassingthwaighte penned.
Lisa’s husband Mark also took to his Instagram to share a touching tribute for Jaimi, writing: “As the tears flow and the heart aches, I write this as a tribute to beautiful young lady, who’s life ended way too soon.”
He continued: “As your mother & father weep your loss, I too feel lost and heavy hearted. Nobody should ever lose their child. You always put everybody else first. You were gifted with many talents, amazing cook, arts and crafts , writing, and your love and creativity with flowers.”
He finished: “Thankyou all for your condolences at this very difficult time for Lisa, Grant & all the Kenny / Curry family. My job now is to nurture my wife through this unimaginable time .With much love @jaimileekenny.”
Within moments, Mark’s post was filled with beautiful comments from his followers also paying tribute.
“Beautiful words Mark. Many condolences to you all and bless the new angel watching over you,” wrote one.
“So heartbreaking, there is just no words,” another added.
Jaimi was a doting aunt to her nephew Flynn. (Image: Facebook)
After tying the knot in 1986, Lisa and Grant fast became the ultimate Aussie sporting poster couple and welcomed three children together – Jaimi Curry Kenny, daughter Morgan Gruel, who is just weeks away from welcoming her second child, and son Jett Kenny.
Jaimi was also incredibly close to her adored half-sister, Trixie Box, seven, who Grant shares with radio presenter Fifi Box, and nephew Flynn Gruell, two.
Lisa and Grant separated in 2009 and officially divorced in 2017.
Lisa has since found love with Elvis impersonator Mark Tabone and the couple tied the knot in May 2018.
Last month, Lisa explained to Now To Love that she and Grant have always strived to be harmonious co-parents for their three children.
“Grant and I as parents, we always said we will always be there for all our kids, for everything that they do,” she explained.
“Every success, every failure, every try, everything it didn’t matter. Just being there and being proud is really important as parents.”
Our thoughts are with the Curry Kenny clan during this extremely difficult time.
