Former RTE Dancing with the Stars pro dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson shared a raw, moving and emotional insight into her life last year.
The Britain's Got Talent and DWTS star wrote beautifully when reflecting on life in a post-pandemic world on her blog in March 2022, with the late dancer admitting the past few years had been challenging and left her experiencing anxiety and moments of self-doubt.
Kerri-Anne's death at the age of 38 was announced by her heartbroken sister Cara Donaldson on social media earlier today, with Strictly Come Dancing professionals Neil and Katya Jones among those paying tribute to the late dancer.
Read More: RTE Dancing With The Stars pro dancer dead at 38 as stars express shock
"My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me," Cara penned as she shared the sad news on Facebook.
"My beautiful baby sister is no longer with us and I don't know how to process it.
"I love you Kerri, you're my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don't know how to fill the void. Be peaceful and hold Nan tight."
It's not yet been confirmed how Kerri-Anne died.
Kerri-Anne joined Dancing with the Stars in 2019 after a cast shake-up and she remained on the series for three seasons working on the weekly pro dance routines.
Writing on Medium last year, the late star reflected on how society has changed and pondered if social media is harming people with unrealistic beauty standards and filters.
Kerri-Anne - who appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2014 - went on to share a moving insight into her own life behind "the perfectly curated curtain" of "cherry picked Instagram pictures".
"The last two years have challenged me beyond belief, it’s definitely not all been sunshine and rainbows. My career was hit so badly that indeed, it affected my financial situation," she recalled in her final blog post.
"My future prospects were put on hold for the foreseeable, and my motivation was becoming harder to maintain. I have admittedly had moments of self doubt and anxiety, and I have had to take action to save myself from those dark places that are very hard to return from.
"So the world wants perfection, and here I am, the furthest thing from it. I am now stuck in a hamster wheel, trying to move forward without admitting to anyone, including myself, that my life isn’t as shiny as it seems."
She continued, reflecting on the dreams she had as a young girl, before concluding her blog post on a positive note and look ahead to a bright future.
"We must learn to embrace our imperfections, and remember, we are all in this together. It’s hard to be true to who you are in a fake world, but if we all try, it is possible," Kerri-Anne mused.
"If we accept who we are, what we look like, what our passions are and try our best to fulfil our goals and dreams whilst encouraging others along the way, maybe this world could become a little less tough, and a little more enjoyable."
Kerri-Anne is survived by her sister and beloved nephew.
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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