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BETHENNY Frankel has been mourning the loss of her mother Bernadette Birk who has died from lung cancer.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum has been open about her complicated relationship with her mother.
Bethenny has posted several tribute photos beside Bernadette on her Instagram.
The pictures spanned over decades featuring rare childhood pictures of Bethenny and even shots from one of her her weddings.
Her last photo in the carousel post was a recent picture of her mother beside her daughter Bryn, who she shares with her first ex-husband Peter Sussman.
“My mother has died of lung cancer,” Bethenny confirmed to start off her lengthy tribute.
“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. Despite not being equipped to be a mother, she loved me and I have beautiful memories of her,” the ex-Bravo star continued.
‘SELFISH IN LIFE’
After a few more words celebrating warm memories of her mother, Bethenny revealed more details behind their difficult relationship.
“I was an adult long before Bryn’s age, experiencing things no young child should endure,” the ex-Housewife revealed.
“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.
“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,” Bethenny admitted.
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“Goodbye mom, Bonnie, Bernadette. You did the best you could and you are free and at peace,” she said.
Bethenny concluded the long caption by requesting her followers to “connect with… someone you have a complicated relationship with today.”
REUNITED
Bethenny has been open about her tumultuous relationship with her mother over the years.
Back in 2016, she told Radar Online about her plans to reconnect with her mom after 12 years of estrangement.
She revealed it was per the request of her daughter, Bryn, who wanted to get to know her grandmother.
Shortly after the news broke, fans were left shocked when Bernadette told the outlet that she felt as if Bethenny “didn’t really reach out.”
“Her daughter Bryn asked about me. She didn’t reach out; the daughter did,” Bernadette claimed.
The reality star had previously stated that she felt Bernadette was “never a mother” and that she “never had a true childhood.”
‘DRAMA QUEEN’
After Bernadette’s Radar Online interview surprised audiences, In Touch revealed more of her shocking opinions about her daughter.
“Bethenny is a publicity-mad drama queen,” Bernadette told the outlet.
“When she has a hangnail, she acts like her finger is falling off,” she claimed.
Bernadette talked with In Touch in 2016 when Bethenny was dealing with complications from her uterine fibroid condition which had been diagnosed in 2013.
In more recent years, Bethenny has been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome, an autoimmune condition.
Bethenny announced she was cutting ties with the Bravo world in July 2023.
The mom and entrepreneur is focused on her Skinny Girl alcoholic beverage business and her podcast Just B.
