Victoria’s Secret vet Jill Goodacre pays tribute to sculptor mom Glenna who died at 80 as the model’s husband Harry Connick Jr calls the artist a ‘hero’
Former Victoria’s Secret supermodel Jill Goodacre has had a sad family loss.
The 56-year-old wife of crooner Harry Connick Jr had to say goodbye to her 80-year-old mother Glenna Goodacre. The famed sculptor passed away from natural causes at her Santa Fe, New Mexico home, according to the Associated Press.
Harry shared the news on Instagram Tuesday. ‘I write this with a very heavy heart. jill’s mom, glenna goodacre, died last night,’ the singer said. He was quoting Jill.
Touching farewell: Former Victoria’s Secret supermodel Jill Goodacre has had a sad family loss. The 56-year-old wife of crooner Harry Connick Jr had to say goodbye to her 80-year-old mother Glenna Goodacre
He went on to write, ‘Jilly says “i lost my mother, hero and best friend today, and my heart is completely broken. she was one of the most celebrated artists of all time, and yet she always said that her greatest pieces were her two children.’
The note finished with: ‘I will miss her love, laughter, and humor.”‘
Then Harry shared his own words. ‘Glenna was a great hero of mine, too – she personified strength and resolve,’ he added.
She worked for presidents: In this Nov. 10, 1993, file photo, President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton unveil a miniature of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington
Another big name: In this 1998 photo, California Governos Pete Wilson, left, Nancy Reagan and Glenna, right, stand in front of After the Ride, a bronze sculpture of Ronald Reagan, in front of the main entrance at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, after the statue’s unveiling
‘I’ve loved her deeply since i first met her when i was 22.
‘I love you so much, glenna. you will always be a role model to me and, more importantly, to our daughters. you will forever be in my heart. please pray for my jilly and her family.’
He added several images of her art work.
A love story for the ages: Goodacre and Connick Jr. attend the ceremony honoring Harry Connick Jr. with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in October
A top model: She was one of the world’s biggest pinups in the 1990s and thereafter, often posing for Victoria’s Secrets
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Goodacre was known mainly for her sculptures including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.
She also worked on the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia.
The artist had presented her work to Bill Clinton and Nancy Reagan.
Glenna is survived by her husband, two children and five grandchildren.
Her son Tim also had a tribute.
‘She loved to encourage and support our adventures in life, especially travel, career and of course, artistic ambition,’ he told the Associated Press. ‘I was fortunate to be her son.’
Jill and Harry have three daughters, Charlotte, 17, Kate, 22, and Georgia, 23.