Jill Zarin mourns mom Gloria Kamen at 91 and shares an emotional goodbye to the woman she proudly called the "real OG housewife." The Jill Zarin Mourns Devastating Loss Of Her ‘Real OG Housewife’ first appeared on The Blast

Jill Zarin is grieving the loss of the woman she describes as the heart of her family. The former “Real Housewives of New York” star announced on Tuesday that her mother, Gloria Kamen, had died at 91, sharing a deeply personal tribute alongside photographs spanning her mother’s life. 

For Zarin, the loss is more than the passing of a beloved parent. It marks the death of her “best friend,” mentor, and the woman whose wisdom helped shape generations of her family.

Jill Zarin Remembers Gloria Kamen As Her Family’s Guiding Force

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Jill Zarin announced the tragedy on Instagram on Tuesday, revealing her mom passed away that morning at 91. 

Rather than focusing solely on the circumstances of her death, Jill’s tribute centered on the enormous role Kamen played throughout her life.

“She was my best friend, my mentor, and the most important person in my life,” Zarin wrote, capturing the relationship they shared. 

She also described her mother as “the heart of our family” for 68 years, noting her devotion to Zarin’s father and her reputation for speaking the truth. “She was everyone’s therapist, everyone’s voice of reason,” the TV personality added.

Kamen’s influence was not confined to private family conversations. Zarin, her sister Lisa and their mother collaborated on the 2010 book “Secrets of a Jewish Mother,” turning Kamen’s experiences and advice into a shared project. 

Zarin described the book as a reflection of “the wisdom that made her unforgettable.”

Zarin Calls Her Mother The ‘Real OG Housewife’

Kamen’s influence also found its way into Jill Zarin’s public identity, making her connection to “The Real Housewives of New York” especially personal. 

The 62-year-old appeared on the Bravo series from 2008 to 2011, but in remembering her mother, she gave Kamen a title that placed her above the reality television franchise itself.

“The real OG housewife who raised incredible women and touched the lives of millions with her counsel and kindness,” Zarin wrote.

She revealed that her mother left behind “a legacy that can’t be measured,” one that will continue through her grandchildren Allyson, Jonathan, Joanna and Yotam, along with her first great-grandchild, Abby.

Zarin closed the tribute by acknowledging the personal lessons her mother left behind, including her judgment about Zarin’s father. “You picked the best father I could ever ask for and you were always right about everything even if it took me a while to see it,” she wrote.

She also thanked Kamen for giving her “the most beautiful family,” before writing, “She will be deeply missed and never ever forgotten.”

Jill Zarin’s Fans Rally Around Her After Mother’s Death

The deeply personal tribute to Kamen also prompted an immediate outpouring of support from Zarin’s followers, many of whom reflected on the impact Kamen appeared to have had on her daughter and those around her. 

One person wrote, “Sending you and your family healing prayers and love during this difficult time. May the memories of her beautiful life be a part of your heart always.” 

Another commenter described Kamen as “the absolute best person, adopted mother, confidant and true warrior.” 

They added, “I counted on her for advice on everything and anything. She is already so missed and I will hold all our time spent together and conversations so dear to my heart forever.” 

Others offered prayers for Jill and her family, with one writing, “Oh Jill, I am so sorry!! Prayers for everyone and especially your beloved daddy!!! RIP Gloria, what a glorious legacy you leave!!” 

Another fan called Kamen “such a wonderful, wise person” while sending prayers to Zarin and her family during the difficult time.

Zarin Shares Update After Kamen’s Hospitalization

Kamen’s importance in Jill Zarin’s life was evident long before the reality star announced her mother’s death, and one particularly emotional moment came when the star shared a glimpse of her mom during a 2022 health scare. 

In November of that year, the former reality TV star revealed that her mother had been hospitalized in Florida after suffering an undisclosed medical issue. 

Per Page Six, Zarin posted a video from the hospital, giving followers a look at her time with Kamen during Thanksgiving. The footage showed Zarin alongside her mother as they spent the holiday together.

Although Zarin did not publicly disclose extensive details about Gloria’s condition, the hospital visit showcased the closeness between the two women. 

Jill Zarin’s ‘Golden Life’ Exit Came After Bad Bunny Backlash

Away from her personal life, Zarin has been navigating a very public year. Her return to reality television took an unexpected turn when the comeback she had been preparing for suddenly disappeared. 

As The Blast reported, the star was dropped from E!’s upcoming “The Golden Life” in February after comments she made about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance sparked backlash. 

Zarin had been announced as part of the series alongside fellow “RHONY” originals Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon and Sonja Morgan, who were set to reunite in Palm Beach. 

In a since-deleted Instagram video, Zarin called the performance “the worst halftime show ever” and questioned the decision to have it performed in Spanish, while also criticizing the choreography and suggesting it was political. 

Blink49 Studios subsequently confirmed that it would no longer move forward with her involvement, saying, “In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life.” 

Zarin later said she removed the video “right away” and added, “People make mistakes. I’m human.” Dorinda Medley was subsequently added to the cast in her place.

The Jill Zarin Mourns Devastating Loss Of Her ‘Real OG Housewife’ first appeared on The Blast