Jonnie Irwin Dead at 50 from Lung Cancer: 'He Fought Bravely'

The British TV star was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August 2020

Jonnie Irwin has died from lung cancer at the age of 50.

On Friday, a statement was posted to the British TV star's Instagram revealing he died more than three years after he was diagnosed with a terminal case of lung cancer, which has spread to his brain.

“A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit,” the post read, alongside a photo of Irwin with his wife. “At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.”

“As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts,” the statement continued. “Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 🕊️💔”

Irwin was first diagnosed in August 2020 after experiencing blurred vision while driving. A series of tests soon confirmed he had lung cancer.

"Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live," he recalled to Hello magazine in November 2022. "I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much. That was devastating. All I could do was apologize to her. I felt so responsible."

The husband and father said his main goal was to inspire others to "make the most of every day."

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At the time, the Escape to the Country host told Good Morning Britain that he also wanted to spend as much time as he could with his wife Jessica and their three children — Rex, 3, and 2-year-old twins, Rafa and Cormac.

"I'm about making memories. I know my children are so young they won't remember me," he said. "I want to at least get it on camera or film to show them the early days were brilliant. I think our house for Christmas will be extravagant."

Irwin initially kept his cancer battle private before publicizing it in November. Sharing his reasoning for disclosing it, the TV presenter relayed a very important message about dealing with those battling cancer: "My going public is more to educate those without cancer. Treat us normally. Treat us with respect."

"You know, we are, in a lot of ways like people with disabilities," he continued. "If we want to work, let us work if we're up for it. Don't make decisions for us — treat us normally. That's why we're keeping it secret."

Related: Jonnie Irwin Says TV Show Let Him Go After Revealing Terminal Cancer Diagnosis: 'Broke My Heart'

In July 2023, Irwin appeared on BBC's Morning Live and opened up about spending the past three years in palliative care. “I’m really good. I have up days and down days but today is very much an up day. The family is great and very noisy,” he said with a laugh.

Irwin explained that he’s been in palliative care since day one after learning about the cancer. Initially, his experience meant going through blood transfusions as a day patient. However, he said he was able to “embrace it” after being surprised with how well he was treated.

“It’s a delight, actually,” he admitted at the time. “My perception of the hospice was very much a boiling hot room full of people that looked frail and towards the end of their days. This is nothing of the sort. It’s spacious, energized, comfortable. I mean, it’s even got a jacuzzi bath, ensuite rooms, and the staff are just amazing. So I’ve had a really, really good experience at my hospice.”

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