**Jack White Mourns the Passing of His Beloved Mother, Teresa Gillis**
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Jack White, the former frontman of the iconic rock band The White Stripes, has announced the passing of his mother, Teresa Gillis, who died at the remarkable age of 95. White took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, revealing the deep bond he shared with his mother, who was the youngest among ten siblings, just like him.
In a poignant post made on Saturday, March 14, White shared a treasured photograph of Gillis on stage with her arms wide open. He accompanied the image with the heartfelt message, “Teresa Gillis 1930-2026. Rest in peace with the Lord.” This announcement marked the beginning of an outpouring of love and remembrance from fans and friends alike.
In subsequent posts, White shared a series of photographs that captured moments from his life with his mother, showcasing both personal and professional highlights. From singing together to moments backstage, Gillis was portrayed as a steadfast presence throughout White’s successful career.
In his tribute, White described his mother as a woman who dedicated her life to loving her family and nurturing everyone she encountered. He wrote, “She gave so much of her love, and gave so much of herself, to her family and everyone she met. She prayed for everyone daily.” Reflecting on her personality, White noted her love for jigsaw puzzles, Polish cuisine, and the song “Don’t Fence Me In,” further highlighting the warmth and vibrancy Gillis brought to those around her.
“The smiles and laughter she shared, especially in these last days with her family, will be dearly missed,” White continued. He elaborated on their unique bond due to their shared position as the youngest in large families, which he described as a “special bond.” He ended his touching tribute with a quote from country music legend George Jones, questioning who could ever match such a remarkable person, declaring his mother to be a “Saint.”
To honour Gillis’s memory, White shared one final black-and-white photograph on Monday, depicting a joyful moment of laughter between mother and son. The raw emotion captured in the image spoke volumes about the love they shared.
Numerous friends and former partners took to the comments section to express their condolences and support. Karen Elson, White’s ex-wife and renowned model, offered a comforting message that included a traditional Irish blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, until we meet again 💔.”
Actor Jack Black also shared his sympathies with a blue heart emoji, while musician Bebe Buell offered her tribute, stating, “Your Momma was something special and will shine and star in your memories and dreams.”
Gillis, a dedicated mother to ten children, welcomed her youngest son Jack White at the age of 45. An active member of her community, she worked as an usher at the Masonic Temple in Detroit before becoming a secretary at the Archdiocese of Detroit. Her legacy is reflected in the love and support she provided to her children and the warmth that anyone who knew her felt.
As Jack White navigates this profound loss, the memories of Teresa Gillis will surely resonate through the lives she touched. Her influence will continue to be felt in the heart of her family and within the larger community that celebrated her spirit.