How did Adele Springsteen die? Bruce Springsteen pays a heartbreaking tribute to his mother

Bruce Springsteen's mother Adele Springsteen inspired him to pursue singing
UPDATED FEB 2, 2024
Adele Springsteen, mother of Bruce Springsteen, died at the age of 98 (Instagram/@officialrumbledoll and @springsteen)
Adele Springsteen, mother of Bruce Springsteen, died at the age of 98 (Instagram/@officialrumbledoll and @springsteen)

LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY: Bruce Springsteen's mother, Adele Springsteen, has died at the age of 98. The singer announced his mother's death on social media in a poignant tribute. Adele, who lived a long and happy life, leaves behind a legacy yet to be fully revealed, as the cause of her death remains undisclosed.

In a heartfelt gesture, Bruce shared a sweet video of Adele dancing with him to swing music, pairing it with a caption featuring lyrics from his 1998 song 'The Wish.' Beginning his tribute with the dates, "Adele Springsteen - May 4, 1925 - January 31, 2024," Bruce fondly recalled moments from their shared past.

 "I remember in the morning Mom hearing your alarm clock ring. I’d lie in bed and listen to you getting ready for work, the sound of your makeup case on the sink," Bruce reminisced. Continuing with vivid memories, he shared, "And the ladies at the office all lipstick, perfume and rustling skirts, how proud and happy you always looked walking home from work," 

The singer added, "It ain’t no phone call on Sunday, flowers or a Mother’s Day card. It ain’t no house on the hill with a garden and a nice little yard." The performer further noted, "I’ve got my hot rod down on Bond Street I’m older but you’ll know me in a glance." Bruce concluded his tribute with, "We’ll find us a Little rock ‘n roll bar and we’ll go out and dance. Bruce Springsteen, The Wish."


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen)


 

Adele Springsteen was diagnosed with Alzheimer

Adele Springsteen had been living with Alzheimer's disease for over a decade. In a 2021 interview, Bruce Springsteen emotionally reflected on his mother's prolonged battle with the illness. He shared insights about Adele, "She grew up in the 40s, with the big bands and the swing bands, and that was a time when dancing was an existential act." Bruce added, "She's 95 and she's 10 years into Alzheimer's and that’s taken a lot away from us."

He further revealed that "The need to dance hasn't left her" despite the fact that she "Can’t speak. She can’t stand. She can’t feed herself." Bruce added, "But when she sees me, there is always a smile. Still a smile and there’s still a kiss." He continued, "And there’s a sound which she makes when she sees me. It’s just the sound but I know it means ‘I love you.'

Bruce Springsteen's mother Adele Springsteen (Instagram/@springsteen)
Bruce Springsteen reflected on his mother Adele Springsteen's battle with Alzheimer's disease (Instagram/@springsteen)

Bruce Springsteen's mother Adele Springsteen danced on stage

Bruce Springsteen and his mother, Adele Springsteen, shared the stage on multiple occasions. Notably, Bruce celebrated his mother's 92nd birthday with a memorable dance at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. took an unexpected turn when the venue lost power due to storms. Despite this setback, a video capturing the event went viral on social media. Bruce, accompanied by his younger son, Sam Springsteen, enjoyed a heartwarming dance with Adele as the Eddie Testa Band performed two songs before the lights went out.

Bruce and Adele shared a dance at the Wonder Bar while the Eddie Testa Band performed two songs, creating a memorable moment before the lights went out. Adele's profound love for dancing and music played a significant role in influencing her son's journey to superstardom. Bruce, now a 20-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, credits his mother's passion for the arts as a pivotal force in shaping his illustrious career.

Bruce Springsteen's mother Adele Springsteen danced on stage (Instagram/@officialrumbledoll)
Bruce Springsteen's mother Adele Springsteen danced on stage (Instagram/@officialrumbledoll)

Adele Springsteen was 'matriarch' of her family

Adele Springsteen, Bruce Springsteen's mother, held the esteemed role of the 'matriarch' in her family. As a legal secretary, she not only contributed to the household income but also became the primary breadwinner after starting her own family. In contrast, Bruce's father, Douglas Frederick 'Dutch' Springsteen, worked various odd jobs to provide additional financial support.

Unfortunately, Douglas faced challenges with mental health that intensified in his later years. Tragically, he passed away in 1998. Following Douglas's death, Adele assumed the pivotal role of the family's primary breadwinner during Bruce's formative years, showcasing her resilience and strength as the head of the household.

Adele Springsteen was 'matriarch' of her family (Facebook/
Adele Springsteen was 'matriarch' of her family (Facebook/@AdeleAnnZerilliSpringsteen)

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