New mum Mollie King has thanked her family for getting her through Christmas after her dad’s death
(Picture: Mollie King/Instagram)Mollie King opened up about her initial fears of celebrating Christmas with her family for the first time without her father, after his death in November.
The 35-year-old discussed her apprehensive feelings over the festive period in a candid post, as she thanked her family for getting her through the holidays.
King’s father Stephen passed away three months after he was diagnosed with a tumour in August.
King, who recently welcomed daughter Annabella with her cricketer fiancé Stuart Broad, talked about her “mixed emotions” over Christmas on Instagram as she shared several photos of herself with her extended family, taken over the holidays at home.
She wrote: “This year, more than ever, I’ve been so grateful to be surrounded by my family at Christmas time.
“For me it’s been mixed emotions heading up to Christmas Day as I’ve feared all of us sitting down for lunch and having one chair less without our Pops at the table.
“I know I’m not the only one who will be missing a loved one this Christmas and my heart goes out to anyone who’s also going through this.”
King continued: “I’ve kept reminding myself how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many of the people I love and without a doubt the constant chatter from the little ones, seeing Annabella laugh for the first time, countryside walks and Home Alone on repeat made sure we all created more special memories, and most importantly, that my little girl’s Christmas was magical, just as it should be.
“Thank you Mum for getting us all together. Sending so much love to anyone else going through this at this time.”
The BBC Radio 1 presenter shared in November that her dad held on for a “few extra days” to meet his granddaughter Annabella, who was born that same month.
King said she was “heartbroken” as she announced her dad’s death on Instagram.
She wrote: “Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family’s world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye.
“Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. You have been our hero and it’s impossible to think of our lives without you.
“You have always been there for us with every step we’ve taken and you even held on a few extra days to meet baby Annabella.
“You gave us your everything. You will be in our hearts and our memories every single day.”
