Bethenny Frankel is mourning the loss of her mom, Bernadette Birk.
On Saturday, the former “Real Housewives of New York City” star announced on Instagram that her mom passed away at age 73 from lung cancer.
“She was complex, in pain, isolated and had demons. She was the most stunning woman you have ever seen, who left her abusive home as quickly as I ran from mine,” she wrote alongside a carousel of throwback pictures of her mom.
“She was brilliant, funny, cultured and wise — yet suffered a lifelong eating disorder, alcoholism, abuse, smoking, and self destruction. Despite not being equipped to be a mother, she loved me and I have beautiful memories of her.”
Frankel said she experienced things “no young child should endure” under the care of Birk.
However, she said her struggles made her a “strong, tough, survivor” who is able to handle anything.
The Skinnygirl founder, 53, said she recently “reconnected” with her mom so her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, whom she shares with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, could “know and love her.”
“She adored Bryn and they shared a love of art,” she added.
“She had one friend, so my lifelong wish was granted that she wasn’t alone. She was selfish in life, yet selfless in death. She left what little she had to my daughter, wished to be cremated, and wanted no one to be notified besides me.”
Frankel claimed that she had a “sixth sense” that her mom had passed away and started releasing “some trauma” by dancing to the song “I’m Alive” in Birk’s favorite designer dress as she was dying.
“I remember her as a young woman during periods of happiness loving me and long for those memories of affection. I mourn her loss, her life, her loneliness and my childhood. I mourn her inability to experience motherhood, the most beautiful gift of a lifetime,” she wrote.
“Goodbye mom, Bonnie, Bernadette. You did the best you could and you are free and at peace.”
Frankel said she misses her “mommy as a little girl” but is grateful her teen daughter consistently pushed to meet her.
The former reality star urged her followers to call, connect and hug their loved ones even if they have a “complicated relationship.”
Several reality stars sent their condolences to Frankel in the comments section of her post.
“Thanks for being candid and not sugar coating your relationship like many do. She seemed like a queen to me! My condolences,” wrote “Real Housewives of Miami” star Guedry Abraira.
“I’m sorry for your loss. This was beautifully written. Peace be with you ❤️,” added “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Vicki Gunvalson.
“Im so sorry for your loss 🙏🏽,” commented “Jersey Shore” star Snooki.
Frankel and her mom have had a rocky relationship over the years.
She previously claimed Birk was “never a mother” to her and that she “never had a true childhood.”
The “Just B” podcast host also shared that she had been raised by her stepfather, John Parisella, from the time she was 5 years old.
