Channel Seven stars have rallied around Johanna Griggs after the Better Homes and Gardens host announced the death of her mother, Leigh.
Griggs shared the news on Sunday, describing her mother as a “beautiful matriarch”, “fearless leader” and “guiding light” in an Instagram tribute.
The former champion swimmer, who has presented the long-running lifestyle programme for more than two decades, was quickly offered support by colleagues and friends.
7NEWS presenter Michael Usher wrote: “Much love Joh, to you and your family. Very sad to read but how proud she must have been.”
Sports presenter Mel McLaughlin added: “Love to you all Joh. Beautiful lady, beautiful words.” The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies also sent her love to the family.
Home and Away actress Georgie Parker said the photographs shared by Griggs showed “a remarkable woman”, adding: “Sending all my love to you and your family sweetheart.”
Sunrise co-host Nat Barr wrote: “Oh Joh I’m so sorry. Lots of love to you all. What a wonderful woman she must have been.”
In her tribute, Griggs said her mother had fought fiercely to protect her family and had been central to the life and career she built.
“She was a total boss lady who would fight for all of us like a lioness if we needed protection,” she wrote. “I quite simply wouldn’t have the life or career I have without her.”
Griggs added: “She has shaped us all in ways that are hard to truly capture. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful woman to have been our mum.”
Leigh, a former teacher, had instilled in her family a “we’ll take on the world” attitude, according to Griggs’s sister Emma Lo Russo.
Griggs joined Channel Seven after announcing her retirement from swimming in 1993. She has two grown-up sons, Jesse and Joe, and an eight-year-old grandson, Jax.
Over the years, the Better Homes and Gardens presenter shared birthday tributes to her mother, previously describing her as a “wonderful mum, grandma and great grandma”.
