Beloved Gogglebox Grandmother Passes Away At 96
Australian television has lost one of its most cherished personalities with the passing of Emmie Silbery, the beloved Gogglebox Australia star who died at age 96 following a courageous battle with dementia.
The heartbreaking news was shared by her granddaughter and fellow Gogglebox star Isabelle Silbery through an emotional Instagram post that captured the intimate final moments between the two women. « Our Emmie, waited for me to come home for one last snuggle, » Isabelle wrote, revealing the peaceful nature of her grandmother’s passing.
Emmie’s final words carried profound significance: « I’m ready to hang up now. » These simple yet powerful words marked the end of an extraordinary life that spanned nearly a century of remarkable experiences and achievements.
Isabelle’s tribute painted a vivid portrait of her grandmother’s rich life journey. « She was 96, an orphan, a nurse, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the oldest woman on TV, a great grandmother, an author and so much more, » she wrote, highlighting the diverse roles Emmie had embraced throughout her long life.
The touching farewell message concluded with gratitude to the countless fans who had embraced Emmie as their own: « Thank you for loving her as much as we did and will forever. Have a big rest now — you deserve it. »
The announcement has sent ripples of grief throughout the Australian entertainment community, with colleagues and celebrities preparing to honor a woman who had touched so many lives.
Outpouring Of Grief From Gogglebox Cast And Australian Celebrities
The tributes began pouring in almost immediately, with Emmie’s former Gogglebox colleagues sharing deeply personal messages that revealed the profound impact she had made on their lives.
Angie Kent, who transitioned from Gogglebox to The Bachelorette, captured the collective sentiment perfectly: « Beautiful Emmie. Words can’t describe what you meant to so many of us. Thank you for the countless laughs, tears, goosebumps and memories! Rest now. Your girls are so loved and looked after. »
Matty Fahd’s tribute emphasized the privilege of having known her: « It was an honour to have met her. She was a truly special woman. May she rest in peace. »
The most emotionally charged response came from Lee and Keith Riley, who revealed the extraordinary bond they had formed with Emmie. « Our hearts are so heavy with sadness. Emmie was our adopted grandmother to Keith and I as we lost our grandparents years ago, » they wrote, exposing the raw vulnerability behind their on-screen chemistry.
Their tribute continued with touching detail: « You told us so many stories about your life and now they are memories for us to keep. Rest in peace, sweetheart you’ll never be far from our hearts. »
Australian media personalities also joined the chorus of grief. Former The Project host Lisa Wilkinson shared an intimate message: « I’m so sad to hear the news Isabelle. What a beautiful, talented, giving soul she was, and so loved by us all. I hope she knew that. Glad you got that last snuggle. »
Actress Pia Miranda added her voice: « I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family all the love. She was an icon. »
