Cake Boss Buddy Valastro ‘Absolutely Crushed’ Over His Mother’s Death
After a long battle with ALS — a neurodegenerative disease — Buddy Valastro’s mother, Mary, has died. The Cake Boss took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post, announcing his mom’s passing and asking people to be respectful of his family’s privacy during this difficult time.
“She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by the family,” he wrote. “Her battle with ALS has ended, she is no longer suffering, and I hope she’s dancing to ‘I Will Survive’ with my dad right now.”
Buddy’s father, Bartolo Valastro, Sr., died from lung cancer in 1994, when Buddy was 17. Reflecting on his father’s passing in a recent Delish interview, he explained that everything he is — and all that he’s become — is the result of his family. “No matter how big I get, or how hard I work, I never, ever forget where I come from,” he said.
It was Buddy’s father who inspired him to carry on the family business, and it was his mother who supported him as he went from Hoboken baker to TLC’s Cake Boss.
Mary had been battling ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — for eight years, but it was only in recent months that her condition started to worsen. She “took a turn yesterday, and Buddy rushed back to New Jersey last night to be by her side,” Valastro’s rep told People. “Buddy and his sisters are absolutely crushed right now.”
Five years ago, Valastro launched the Momma Mary Foundation to raise money for ALS research. When the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, he spoke to People about his mom’s condition, and how the disease has impacted their lives.
“I’ve seen the most independent, lively person that I’ve ever met in my life — I mean, she was just like a ball of energy — reduced to not being able to do anything for herself,” he said. “And I think that’s the part that kills her the most because she was the matriarch. She did so many things for everyone.”
The disease affects the nerve cells in a person’s brain and spinal cord, and over time, he or she loses the ability to move their muscles, becoming completely paralyzed. It’s 100 percent fatal, according to the ALS Association.
Family, friends, and fans have shared their condolences online, both paying respects and sharing memories of the Valastro matriarch. “Buddy, our prayers are with you this evening. Godbless your family. Geoffrey,” commented Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian.
“Mom, your strength and faith inspired many,” Buddy’s sister, Lisa Valastro, posted on Instagram. “You will be forever loved and missed.”
The Carlo’s Bakery team also posted a message, sharing the impact Momma Mary had on everyone around her. “She was full of life and love; her energy could be felt throughout the entire bakery the moment she came in the door, and we know that energy will stay with us forever,” they wrote.
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