Jennifer Gray’s mother Jo Wilder died “by her own choice” and “with dignity” a week after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
The actress told her Instagram followers about the 94-year-old’s passing on Tuesday, writing, “At her own discretion.”
The Dirty Dancing star, 66, added: “True to who she is, she chose grace over fear and understood that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.”
She paid tribute to her mother’s “gorgeous and talented” life, from her “mother” who was “a promising young actress on the New York stage” but “never quite lived up to her calling” to Jennifer and her brother James Katz.
“If she had chosen ambition over my brother and I, we would never have had the mother we have today,” Gray wrote. “Her passion found another outlet. She was an activist throughout her life, fiercely sympathetic to right and wrong.
“And over the years, many discovered her extraordinary eye through her store, Wilder Place, on Melrose,” she continued. “She was brave and profound.”
Mr. Gray concluded with a message for Mr. Wilder. “Mom, I love you. Thank you for teaching me how to do everything, even this, with grace.”
The Golden Globe nominee’s social media uploads included various black and white photos of her late mother, some solo and some with Gray and Katz.
Many A-listers shared their support in the comments section.
Katie Couric wrote, “Sending you so much love. What a great role model ❤️❤️❤️,” while Julianne Moore added, “So sorry for your loss 💔.”
Tracy Pollan, Gray’s close friend and wife of Michael J. Fox, also chimed in with the touching tribute.
“Thinking of you and the shining Joe Wilder today,” the 66-year-old wrote. “I am so blessed to have had your beautiful mom in my life. I will cherish the memories of her warmth, love, and guidance. I am so sad that she is gone, but I am grateful that she left us with the dignity with which she lived. I love you both.”
Gray’s ex-husband, Clark Gregg, commented with multiple heart emojis.
The “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” star has frequently praised her mother on social media platforms in recent years, most recently on Mother’s Day 2024.
“So lucky to be able to celebrate our dear mom, Jo Wilder!!” she wrote at the time. “I had the best time today with my brother and this 92-year-old beauty!”
