Jennifer Grey is mourning the loss of her “gorgeous and talented” mother, Jo Wilder, who died on July 4, 2026, aged 94.
The Dirty Dancing icon, 66, said that her mom died “on her own terms,” one week after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Paying tribute to her beloved mother on Instagram, the actress shared a carousel of photos of her from her younger years, including snapshots of her and a young Jennifer.
Jennifer’s loving tribute to her late mom
“My mother, Jo Wilder, passed away on July 4th at 94 — by her own choosing, on her own terms, exactly as she lived,” Jennifer began.
“A week earlier, she learned she had lung cancer. True to who she was, she chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.”
Jennifer continued: “She was gorgeous and talented — a promising young actress on the New York stage in her youth. She used to say she never fully answered that calling; she became a mother instead.
© Instagram“If she’d chosen ambition over my brother and me, we never would have had the mother we had.
“Her passion found other outlets: she was a lifelong activist, fiercely attuned to right and wrong. And for years, many people discovered her extraordinary eye through Wilder Place, her store on Melrose.”
She concluded: “She was brave and deep. I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do it all, even this, with grace.”
© InstagramJennifer was inundated with condolences and messages of support from her fans and famous friends. Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice on Friends, wrote: “I have been thinking of you so much.
“I am lucky to have known your beautiful mother through the years of our friendship. She was fierce and kind and curious.. and .. she was deeply blessed with a daughter who showed her the most unwavering love unwavering support.”
© InstagramFrozen star Josh Gad commented: “Sending you so much love.” ’80s singer Richard Marx added: “Jennifer! How lucky you are to be able to write such a tribute to your obviously awesome AF mom. I’m sure she was so proud of the woman you are. Sending love.”
Jennifer’s ex-husband, Clark Gregg, also showed his support, commenting with several heart emojis.
© InstagramJennifer and Clark’s divorce
Clark, best known to Marvel fans as the beloved Director Phil Coulson, filed for divorce from Jennifer in August 2020 after almost 19 years of marriage. It was finalized in February 2021.
The former couple announced their “difficult decision to divorce” the previous month in a joint statement on Instagram, revealing they had been separated since January 2020.
© Getty Images“After 19 years together, we separated in January, knowing we’d always be a family who loves, values and cares for each other,” the statement began.
“We recently made the difficult decision to divorce, but we remain close and are deeply grateful for the life we’ve shared and the wonderful daughter we’ve raised. — Jennifer & Clark,” they added, referring to their now 24-year-old daughter, Stella.
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