Kathy Griffin’s mother, Maggie Griffin, has died at the age of 99.
The comedian announced the sad news Tuesday evening, letting fans know she is feeling “gutted” after losing her mom.
Fans of Kathy know she was extremely close to her mother. Maggie was a significant part of her daughter’s two reality TV shows, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List and Kathy.
The funny woman also spoke of the special bond she had with her mom in several of her comedy routines.
Who was Maggie Griffin?
Maggie lived an extraordinary life. She was a hospital worker who was married to the love of her life, John, for over 60 years.
John, who is also Kathy’s father, passed away in 2007. The happy couple had five children, including the famous comedian.
Kathy’s mother was born Margaret Mary Corbally. She revealed in her memoir, Tip It!: The World According to Maggie that her entire life, people called her Margie, but she didn’t like it.
At the age of 80, she changed her nickname to Maggie.
The name change came right before Maggie became a fixture on the Bravo series, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
The memoir also featured never before seen Griffin family photos. Maggie poured her heart into the book, and nothing was off-limits.
She called it a love story, as well as a guide to good living. Like her daughter, Maggie was all about finding humor in life.
Not only was Maggie a proud mama of all her children, but she was not to be messed with either. Maggie spoke her mind, was blunt, and didn’t take crap from anyone.
My Mom, the one and only, Maggie Griffin, passed away today. I am gutted. My best friend. I’m shaking. I won’t ever be prepared. I’m so grateful you guys got to be part of her life. You knew her. You loved her. She knew it. Oh, and OF COURSE she went on St Patrick’s Day. ??? pic.twitter.com/l9IZHuIWLb
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 18, 2020
Sadly, she watched two of her children succumb to cancer during her life.
Maggie’s son Gary died from esophageal cancer in 2014. Her daughter Joyce passed away in 2017, from an undisclosed form of cancer.
Along with Kathy, Maggie is survived by two sons, John and Kenny.
Maggie’s battle with dementia
In 2018, Kathy revealed on social media that her mother had been diagnosed with dementia, and her condition was deteriorating rapidly.
Kathy occasionally spoke about her mother’s illness on social media, detailing the new reality of both of their lives.
On her 99th birthday last summer, Kathy sadly shared with her followers that Maggie’s condition was getting worse. It had been months at that point since Kathy was able to have a conversation with her mother.
Before her illness, Maggie was featured on Instagram with her bio, describing her as Mother, Grandmother, Wine Connoisseur.
Maggie’s Instagram feed is full of funny photos, captions, and a lot of love.
Comedian Kathy Griffin is mourning the loss of her mother, Maggie Griffin, who died at age 99. The mother and daughter duo were the best of friends.
Kathy is devastated by the loss, and fans are letting the funny lady know she is not alone. Her tweet revealing Maggie’s passing was flooded with love, thoughts, and prayers for Kathy’s entire family.