Country singer Martina McBride mourns mother's death in loving post, says she was 'a complex and amazing woman'
In a heart-warming tribute to her late mother Jeanna Schiff, country singer Martina McBride took to Instagram on January 11 to share an old image of them together. McBride's mother died on January 10 after an emergency heart surgery.
"My mom passed away this morning," McBride wrote on the throwback image of herself as a young child with her mother. "She was a complex and amazing woman. Strong. Chic No-nonsense. Hilarious. Witty. She had the prettiest hair and skin and hands... I loved her hands. She took good care of us."
In the emotional caption, the singer wrote how her mother was a strong influence in her life even if she wasn't always present for everything.
"Our house was always the house where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered, and she was really the reason for that. She made her 4 kids self-sufficient, told us to go outside and play, gave us chores to do and taught us how to work. She wasn't one to smother you with affection, do your homework for you, or attend every ballgame, but we always knew she was there for us."
The singer shared the impact her mother had on her life. "As we all got older, we had many conversations about life, faith, morals, health and the importance of getting your beauty sleep. She'd start every phone call or message with, 'Martina. This is your mother.' She loved to laugh and tell stories to get a laugh."
Reflecting on her mother's last few hours in a hospital in Kansas surrounded by family, McBride wrote about their last special moments together. "Even though she told me in the hospital that she wasn't "an enthusiastic cook" she made the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. I spent the last week with her in ICU, with my dad, my brothers, and my sister, and a fantastic and caring team of doctors who went above and beyond to try and get her to a place where her heart would sustain her. During that week, I held her hand, rubbed her shoulders, stroked her face, told her I loved her and she told me she loved me."
"Even though I wish it had ended differently, I wouldn't have traded that time with her for anything. So now we try and move forward without our matriarch. And somehow, in time, we will. Because she taught us how to be strong. I love you, Mom. 1/10/20."
McBride received condolences and support from her close friends, fans and colleagues. "Love and strength," Trisha Yearwood wrote. "I'm so sorry, my friend. You are also an incredible mom. I'm sorry you lost your great teacher and you'll be in my prayer," Brandi Carlile wrote.