Tributes pour in as Bethenny Frankel announces death of her ‘selfish’ mom who battled demons before dying of lung cancer at 73

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bethenny Frankel announced on Saturday, April 20, 2024, that her mother Bernadette Birk died on Friday, April 19, at the age of 73, following a fight with lung cancer.

The 'Real Housewives of New York City' alum, 53, revealed the devastating news on Saturday, April 20, in an Instagram post featuring vintage photos of her mother and a long note about their "complex" but loving relationship.

Bethenny Frankel's mother Bernadette Birk died from lung cancer

The podcaster and former reality star revealed on Saturday on Instagram that her mother Bernadette "died of lung cancer." The post included a carousel of pictures of Bernadette, who went by Bonnie, taken throughout the years.

While Bethenny appeared with her mother in most pictures, Bernadette posed alone in a few. The grieving daughter stated that she and her mother didn't get along well.

The last picture in the sequence features Bethennyl's daughter, Bryn Hoppy, posing with her grandmother while sporting a blue hoodie.

"My mother has died of lung cancer," Bethenny began the caption of her post, before adding, "She was complex, in pain, isolated and had demons. She was the most stunning woman you have ever seen, who left her abusive home as quickly as I ran from mine."

"She was brilliant, funny, cultured and wise — yet suffered a lifelong eating disorder, alcoholism, abuse, smoking and self destruction," the post continued.

Though Bernadette was not "equipped to be a mother," Bethenny remarked, "She loved me and I have beautiful memories of her."

The chef and former Bravo personality stated that her mother instilled in her a sense of "food, wit, culture and strength."

Bethenny recalls rocky relationship with her mom Bernadette Birk

Although Bethenny mentioned her rough past and former alienation from her mother Bernadette in her post, she also mentioned how much they still cared for one another.

Bethenny stated that they had reconciled over 10 years ago after 12 years of estrangement due to her teenage daughter Bryn, 13.

The former 'Housewife' disclosed, "I was an adult long before Bryn's age, experiencing things no young child should endure."

"We reconnected so my daughter could know and love her. She adored Bryn and they shared a love of art. She had one friend, so my lifelong wish was granted that she wasn't alone," Bethenny wrote.

"She was selfish in life, yet selfless in death. She left what little she had to my daughter, wished to be cremated, and wanted no one to be notified besides me," the reality star added.

In closing, Bethenny asked her fans to "connect with... someone you have a complicated relationship with today."

While filming season 3 of 'The Real Housewives of New York City', Bethenny was candid about her strained relationship with both of her parents, including her father Bobby Frankel, who died in 2009.

In a cover story to introduce Bryn Hoppy to the public, Bethenny told PEOPLE that she and her mother Bernadette were no longer together.

Tributes pour in as Bethenny Frankel announces mother's death

People took to the comment section of Bethenny's post, paying their tributes to Bernadette Birk after her death at the age of 73.

One social media user wrote, "Realest thing I’ve read on social media in a long while. Bless you"

Another said, "Sending you so much love and understanding. Please know you are not alone in your grief and complications."

"This is a beautiful tribute to someone you loved, yet had a conflicting and complicated relationship with due to factors outside of your control. Sending you love and peace as you navigate her loss," wrote one individual.

Another said, "Beautifully said. My mom left when I was kid and I was raised by my dad. Had a crazy, totally unsupervised childhood but it made me independent from a very young age. Youre helping so many people Bethenny. U not only survived, you thrive!"

Actress Candace Kroslak commented, "All of this ❤️ breaking the tribal wounds & loving them at the same time is light warrior status. Thank you for sharing this very authentic journey. Appreciate you!!"

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