Bethenny Frankel Pays Tribute to Her Mother After Her Brave Fight Against Lung Cancer

Bethenny Frankel Mourns Her Mother After Battle With Lung Cancer

Bethenny Frankel Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Bethenny Frankel is grieving the loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away on Friday, April 19, at the age of 73 after battling lung cancer.

The 53-year-old former star of The Real Housewives of New York City shared pictures and a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on her mixed feelings about her mother.

"She was a complex and stunning woman, filled with pain, isolation, and inner demons. I ran from my abusive home just as quickly as she left hers. Interestingly, I was born on her birthday," Frankel shared in a heartfelt post.

Describing her mother further, she added, "Despite her brilliance, humor, cultural knowledge, and wisdom, she battled with lifelong struggles such as eating disorders, alcoholism, abuse, smoking, and self-destructive tendencies. Although she wasn't fully prepared to be a mother, she showered me with love and I cherish the beautiful memories we shared. From her, I learned about food, humor, culture, and resilience. And she absolutely loved to dance."

Frankel shared that she had to mature quickly compared to her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, from her previous marriage. She acknowledged that she had to face challenging experiences at a young age, shaping her into a resilient and resourceful individual. Despite the hardships, she expressed gratitude for her daughter and credited her own past for giving her the strength to overcome obstacles and create a better future.

After Bryn was born, the reality star Bethenny Frankel mentioned that she and her mom were able to reconnect. She also shared that Bryn and Birk had a special bond and shared a love for art.

Frankel mentioned that Birk was self-centered during her lifetime, but surprisingly generous in her death. She decided to leave all her possessions to Frankel's daughter, expressed her desire for cremation, and requested that only Frankel be informed of her passing.

According to Frankel, she had a strong intuition that her mother had passed away. She felt a sense of relief from past pain and shared that her mother was wearing her favorite Alaia dress and dancing to the song "I'm Alive" as she took her last breaths. Frankel is currently in a relationship with her longtime partner, Paul Bernon.

She continued in her post, remembering her mother as a young woman filled with happiness and love for her. She mourned her loss, her life, her loneliness, and the absence of experiencing motherhood. She bid farewell to her mom, Bonnie, Bernadette, acknowledging that she did her best and is now free and at peace.

Reflecting on her childhood, she expressed missing her mother and thanked her daughter for helping to heal their relationship. She acknowledged the journey of releasing trauma and sending love to her mother. Despite not having a traditional family, she found comfort in her small group of friends, her daughter Bryn, and the support of those close to her. Life, she concluded, is about loss and love.

Frankel ended her tribute by asking followers to “call, connect with, or hug someone” with whom they have a complicated relationship.

Bethenny Frankel, a Bravo alum, has dedicated significant attention to parenthood, influenced by her challenging childhood. In a recent interview with We, she discussed raising her daughter, who became a teenager last year.

"We’re in that in-between phase of childhood and adulthood, where they believe they know it all, but as parents, our role is to shield them from the world and their own decisions," Frankel shared exclusively with Us in June 2023. "I find joy in being a parent!"

Bryn is described as “creative and free” by her mother. She wants Bryn to be different from her, not stressing about achieving goals.

Bethenny Frankel departed from the Real Housewives series in August 2021. Currently, she hosts podcasts called “Just B with Bethenny Frankel” and “Just B Divorced.” Additionally, she runs the nonprofit BStrong for disaster relief and founded the health and beauty brand Skinnygirl.

Editor's P/S:

Bethenny Frankel's heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Bernadette Birk, is a poignant reminder of the complex and often bittersweet nature of familial relationships. Frankel's candid account of her mother's struggles with addiction, abuse, and mental health issues sheds light on the challenges faced by many families. Despite the pain and distance that characterized their relationship, Frankel acknowledges the love and resilience that her mother instilled in her. Her words serve as a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.

Frankel's emphasis on the importance of reaching out to loved ones with whom we have complicated relationships is a timely reminder to prioritize connection and understanding. Her own journey of healing and reconciliation with her mother highlights the transformative potential of forgiveness and empathy. Frankel's words offer hope and inspiration to those navigating similar challenges, encouraging them to seek support and embrace the complexities of human relationships.