It’s never easy to lose someone who touched your life, even if that person is a celebrity you’ve never met.
When we asked our readers which celebrity death hit them the hardest, the responses were raw, emotional, and deeply personal. Grab your tissues because these stories will have you feeling all the feels.
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Prince
Embed from Getty Images“I cried harder when he died than I did for some family members. My whole life changed after I saw Purple Rain. He and his music became the foundation for everything else in my life. When he died, people reached out to ME, asking if I was OK, and offering their condolences,” one commenter shared.
The “Purple Rain” singer passed away in 2016 due to an accidental opioid overdose, but his music lives on!
Robin Williams
Embed from Getty Images“Robin Williams. That man was not only a genius but very kind-hearted and philanthropic. I heard he insisted on casting homeless and underprivileged people into the movies he worked in,” a Facebook user penned.
The beloved comedian and actor tragically took his own life in 2014. Known for his roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting, Williams’ death shed light on the importance of mental health awareness.
Michael Jackson
Embed from Getty Images“For me, it was Michael Jackson. Loved him since I was a kid,” another wrote.
The King of Pop passed away in 2009 due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. His influence on music, dance, and pop culture is unparalleled, making his loss deeply felt worldwide.
Princess Diana
Embed from Getty Images“Princess Diana. Still breaks my heart to think of it,” one fan confessed.
Princess Diana, the “People’s Princess,” died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Her compassionate humanitarian work and relatable charm made her a beloved figure, and her unexpected death sent shockwaves across the globe. Some have even speculated that she was murdered.
Chris Farley
Embed from Getty Images“Chris Farley. I love his style of humor, all the goofy slapstick, and just stupid things he’d say. It’s sad that weight issues combined with various drugs killed him,” another shared.
Chris Farley, the iconic Saturday Night Live star, passed away in 1997 due to a drug overdose.
River Phoenix
Embed from Getty Images“River Phoenix. The impact of his death is still painful to me 30 years later,” a commenter revealed.
River Phoenix, a rising star known for his roles in Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho, died of a drug overdose in 1993 outside The Viper Room in Los Angeles. His untimely death at 23 left fans wondering what could have been.
Patrick Swayze
Embed from Getty Images“Patrick Swayze — we were born on the same day. Albeit I’m 11 years younger — and I love all his movies,” another fan disclosed.
Known for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost, Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Elvis Presley
Embed from Getty Images“Elvis. I was really shocked. I worked in a hospital, and my mother called to tell me. I screamed, and everyone came running. We were all crying!” one user shared.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll died in 1977 of a heart attack at his Graceland home.
John Lennon
Embed from Getty Images“John Lennon—first time I ever saw my dad cry,” one person noted.
John Lennon, the legendary Beatles co-founder, was tragically shot and killed in 1980 outside his New York City apartment.
Betty White
Embed from Getty Images“Even though she was 99, it was still really upsetting,” a fan remarked.
The beloved actress known for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, passed away in 2021, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Her wit, charm, and timeless appeal made her everyone’s favorite golden girl.
Matthew Perry
Embed from Getty Images“I love Friends and still watch it every night. My daughter even took me to the Friends Experience in Chicago. It was so cool! another shared.
Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, passed away unexpectedly in 2023 after overdosing on ketamine. Five individuals, including two doctors and Perry’s live-in assistant, were later charged in connection to his death.
Paul Walker
Embed from Getty Images“Used to be Paul Walker until last year when Matthew Perry died. I literally broke down in tears when I heard about his death. Both of these actors died way too soon,” a Facebook user revealed.
The Fast & Furious star died in a tragic car accident in 2013.
Chadwick Boseman
Embed from Getty Images“Chadwick Boseman,” one commenter simply stated.
Chadwick Boseman, known for his role as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.
Amy Winehouse
Embed from Getty Images“Amy Winehouse!” another exclaimed.
The singer known for hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black,” died of alcohol poisoning in 2011. Her raw talent and troubled life made her a complex and captivating figure, and her death at 27 was a heartbreaking loss.
Tom Petty
Embed from Getty Images“Tom Petty… Still not over that one,” one user lamented.
The rock legend known for hits like “Free Fallin'” and “American Girl,” passed away in 2017 due to an accidental overdose.
