Former “Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethenny Frankel has shared that her mother, Bernadette Birk, has died.
On April 20, Frankel took to Instagram to reveal that her mother passed away after suffering from lung cancer. The upload consisted of several photos that showed Birk throughout her life. In the caption of the post, Frankel stated that her mother “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,” wrote Frankel. “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 stated that while her late mother “taught [her] food, wit, culture and strength,” her childhood with Birk was not easy. The RHONY alum wrote, however, that she believed any hardships she endured “made [her] strong, tough, a survivor who is able to handle anything.”
Frankel also shared that she and Birk “reconnected so [her] daughter [Bryn Hoppy] could know and love her.” According to the former Bravo star, her late mother “adored Bryn,” who is 13 years old.
“Goodbye mom, Bonnie, Bernadette. You did the best you could and you are free and at peace. I miss my mommy as a little girl and I am grateful for my daughter consistently pushing to meet her and myself for re opening old wounds for their relationship,” wrote Frankel.
She also shared that she would like her followers to “call, connect with, or hug someone you have a complicated relationship with today.”
Several Bravo Stars Shared Their Support in the Comments Section
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Several Bravo stars shared their support for Frankel in the April 20 post’s comments section. For instance, “Real Housewives of Orange County” personality Vicki Gunvalson wrote, “I’m sorry for your loss. This was beautifully written. Peace be with you ❤️.”
“Real Housewives of Miami” star Guerdy Abraira also shared she appreciated Frankel’s post.
“Thanks for being candid and not sugar coating your relationship like many do. She seemed like a queen to me! My condolences,” commented the RHOM star.
In addition, former “Real Housewives of Dallas” personality Dr. Tiffany Moon wrote that she was touched by Frankel’s remarks about her late mother.
“What a wonderfully written tribute to your mother. I’m sorry for you loss. Thank you for being so open about your complex relationship with your mother and I’m so glad you reconnected to her so she could have a relationship with Bryn. Sending you all love ❤️,” shared Moon.
Bethenny Frankel Discussed Her Reason to Reconnect With Her Mother on RHONY
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Frankel opened up about reuniting with her mother while filming the RHONY season 8 reunion, which aired in 2016. She stated that her daughter had inquired if her parents were “alive.” When the mother of one responded that Birk was alive, Hoppy wanted to meet her. Frankel shared that she decided to contact her mother, whom she had been estranged from for 15 years, for the sake of her daughter.
“I phoned her. And she picked up. And I just went into it,” said Frankel.
Bethenny Frankel Spoke About Her Father’s Passing in 2015
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During a 2015 appearance on “Larry King Live,” Frankel spoke about her relationship with her late father, famed horse trainer Bobby Frankel. She stated she was not “close” to her father, who divorced her mother four years after the RHONY alum was born.
“He wasn’t really there from the time I was four to 14, at all. My stepfather, John Parisella, another horse trainer, was kind of really more my father. And my real father just never really connected with me. I think I might have reminded him of my mother, who broke his heart,” said Frankel.
She stated, however, that she visited her father in the hospital before he passed from leukemia in 2009.
