Heartbreaking. LeAnn Edmonds Horton, the ex-wife of Jim Edmonds, died this week after losing her battle to cancer, their teenage daughter Hayley confirmed in a heartbreaking Instagram update.
“Early this morning I lost the most important person in my life,” Hayley, 17, wrote, alongside a black and white photo of herself laughing and embracing LeAnn on the beach. “I’m so blessed to have had these past 17 years with you. But that will never be enough for me. I can’t imagine my life without you and I never imagined this day would come. You were an inspiration to everyone who knew you and I will aspire to be everything you were. You truly lived life to the fullest and were such a fighter. The memories we made will forever be instilled in me and I’ll never forget the good times we had. You were not only my mom, but my best friend. Thank you for everything you’ve thought me and for the wisdom you’ve given me. I will never ever stop loving you. Life won’t be easy without you but I know you will be with me every step of the way. Rest in peace mommy, I love you with all my heart.”
The high school student’s emotional post was preceded by an update about her mom’s condition last week. “Never miss the opportunity to tell your mom you love her,” she pleaded with her Instagram followers. “No matter how much you do, it will never be enough. Stay strong momma, I love you with all I have.”
LeAnn was the first wife of baseball player Jim Edmonds, who is featured on the newest season of the Real Housewives of Orange County with his third wife Meghan King Edmonds. Meghan’s relationship with Jim and LeAnn’s daughter Hayley — and her challenge to parent Haley amid LeAnn’s failing health — has been chronicled on the current season.
Meghan, who wed Jim last October, also took to her Twitter to mourn LeAnn. “Today is a sad day. Pls send positive vibes this way!” she tweeted. Her RHOC costar Lizzie Rovsek also sent her condolences.
@MeghanKEdmonds thinking of you and Haley today. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ??????
— Elizabeth Rovsek (@LizzieRovsek) July 22, 2015
