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Wendy Williams announces death of mother on show

Television talk show host Wendy Williams announced Monday that her mother, Shirley Williams, died “many, many, many, many weeks ago.”

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Williams, 56, made the announcement during the Hot Topics segment at the beginning of her show, the Asbury Park Press reported. Shirley Williams formerly lived in Ocean County, New Jersey, the newspaper reported.

Wendy Williams said during the segment that her mother died “beautifully and peacefully” while surrounded by “love.”

“My mom passed away many, many, many, many weeks ago,” she said. “You know how you lose track of the day and time? All I know was it was a long time ago. The five of us, my mom, dad, my siblings, the five of us -- she will always be here.”

Williams said that she and her mother often acted like “teenage girls” together, People reported.

“Gone is the best mother, the best girlfriend, that a girl could ever have,” she said. “I feel fortunate that I had her in my life all of my 56 years.”

Wendy Williams was one of three children born to Thomas and Shirley Williams, who were married for 65 years. When she was 5, Wendy Williams’ family moved from Asbury Park to Ocean Township, New Jersey.

Shirley Williams was involved in several groups during her life, the Press reported. She was a member of the Monmouth County Council of Girl Scouts, the Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc., and the Lambda Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

“I guess my mother and father set the example for me,” Shirley Williams said.

Wendy Williams left an empty seat for her mother in the audience, the Press reported.

“Things could be worse,” Wendy Williams said. “Not really. This is the worst. This is the worst, yeah.”