Latest news with #JennaClifford
News24
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘We have lost an icon and a legend': South Africa mourns Jenna Clifford
South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford died on 20 May 2025 after battling advanced-stage cancer. She left a significant legacy recognised by prominent figures in entertainment, fashion and other industries. Celebrities and fans expressed grief and shared tributes, celebrating her pioneering craftsmanship, compassion, and impactful presence. The indelible mark left by South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford will not be forgotten, and South African entertainment heavyweights couldn't agree more. Following the announcement of Clifford's death on Tuesday evening, 20 May, after a battle with advanced-stage cancer, South African celebrities took to social media to pay tribute. According to the family, the jewellery icon was diagnosed earlier this year. Despite her courageous battle, she died peacefully, surrounded by her family. The family announced her death on Wednesday, 21 May, through a touching statement sent to News24 and later shared on Instagram. Fans and prominent South African personalities, including Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, Minnie Dlamini, and Gert-Johan Coetzee, offered condolences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna Clifford (@jennaclifford_sa) ' The most heartbreaking news. My condolences and may she rest in peace,' said Tunzi. Dlamini also reminisced about their close bond and shared an emotional message. 'My heart is completely shattered. Mama Jenna loved so fiercely and powerfully. She would always offer me a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and wisdom that would help me grow and flourish. We have lost an icon and a legend. I lost my fighter. My deepest condolences to your family,' she wrote. Fellow South African icons expressed grief and acknowledged Clifford's impact on their lives and the jewellery industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna Clifford (@jennaclifford_sa) Former model and businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo said: 'Rest now, Doyenne of craftsmanship,' she wrote. Radio personality Tbo Touch revealed that he had visited Clifford's family home to pay his respects and was still in disbelief. 'Today has been incredibly difficult for me. I feel shattered and my heart is heavy. Shayna, Chanelle, and Summer, thank you for allowing us to share in your memories of your mom. We grieve with you. We love you and trust us to preserve the JC legacy.' Leaders in the fashion industry also left tributes. 'Love you, Jenna. RIP,' said Coetzee. 'Sincere condolences to the family for your loss. She was in a league of her own and an inspiration to so many. RIP Jenna,' Biji la Maison added.
The Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Renowned jewellery designer Jenna Clifford has died, her family confirms
Renowned South African jewellery designer and philanthropist Jenna Clifford died on Tuesday. Her children, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, announced her death on Wednesday afternoon. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts we share our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away. Earlier this year, mom was diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength and endless gratitude. Sadly, the severity of her illness meant she and we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited.' 'On the evening of May 20, surrounded by her family and completely enveloped in our love, she passed away peacefully,' they said. The family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, warmth and love 'from so many people who have drawn close to mom and us' over the past few weeks. 'We want to thank the doctors, nurses and the entire medical team at Morningside Medi Clinic who cared for mom with such compassion. And to each of you who sent messages, shared memories, held us in your hearts and prayed for mom — we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your kindness and care,' they said. The trio described their mother as 'a one-off.' 'She was charismatic and absolutely unique. She was loving, kind, generous and brave. Everything mom did, she did with integrity and love. Our mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. To hear and read your stories — to see our mom through your eyes — has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit, and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.' 'Mom cared deeply for others, poured love into countless lives and lived a life of self-sacrifice. Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential. Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams,' they said. While Clifford was known for bespoke pieces, which attracted a global clientele, her children said their mother's greatest legacy was one of joyful giving. 'She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation. We love our mom with all our hearts and feel so blessed to have her powerful, guiding example for life.' They said her 'magnificent' jewellery was a reflection of her beautiful heart and soul as well as her passion, creativity and her mission to connect people through beautiful, meaningful creations. 'Our family business, Jenna Clifford, is her life's work and is at the heart of our family. We are dedicated to building on mom's solid foundations and to continue the remarkable Jenna Clifford story. We want you to know that we sincerely value our relationship with you. You are an important part of our Jenna Clifford family, and we are grateful that we shall together ensure that mom's legacy endures,' they said. Clifford's family will hold a private funeral. 'We know how many lives our mother touched, and we'll also be hosting a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her. We'll share details of this memorial in due course. We shall always treasure the memory of our precious mother as she was — beautiful, loving and full of life,' they said. TimesLIVE
News24
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford dies at 65
Jenna Clifford, a renowned South African jewellery designer, died on Tuesday after an advanced stage cancer diagnosis. The 65-year-old was surrounded by her family in her final moments. Known for her exceptional craftsmanship, she built a global jewellery brand and inspired others with her generosity and creativity. Jenna Clifford, a globally recognised South African jewellery designer, died on Tuesday evening after battling cancer, and was surrounded by her family in her final moments. According to the jewellery heavyweight's family, the 65-year-old was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer earlier this year. Despite her courageous fight, she died on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, with her loved ones by her side. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away,' her family confirmed in a statement. 'Earlier this year, mom was diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength, and endless gratitude. Sadly… we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited.' Her family, who broke the news on Wednesday, described Clifford as a 'one-of-a-kind' woman who dedicated her life to generosity, creativity, and supporting others. 'She was loving, kind, generous, and brave. Everything mom did, she did with integrity and love,' the statement read. Clifford, who established her jewellery business, which bore her name in 1992, was known for her unique designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Her brand grew to attract a huge clientele not only in South Africa, but also internationally, including iconic personalities like Céline Dion. Her legacy was further commemorated in 2024 when her brand celebrated a collaboration with Mattel's Barbie. This partnership created a jewellery line that embraced individuality and inspired people to pursue their dreams while living authentically, according to the company's website. The collection featured a unique selection of staple pieces, including diamond rings, pearl necklaces, and earrings. Beyond her thriving business, Clifford's impact extended outside her art of jewellery design. Her magnetic personality and unwavering belief in people's potential touched the hearts of many who describe her as a source of encouragement, inspiring those around her to dream bigger and achieve their ambitions. 'Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams,' her family said. As the family reflects on her remarkable journey and legacy, they expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support Clifford received throughout her career. The family also said that plans are underway for a private family funeral, with a public memorial in Johannesburg to honour of her life to be announced soon . 'Our family will be coming together for a small, private funeral in the days ahead. We know how many lives our mother touched, and we'll also be hosting a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her,' read part of a family statement. 'We'll share details of this memorial in due course.'
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Renowned jewellery designer Jenna Clifford has died, her family confirms
Renowned South African jewellery designer and philanthropist Jenna Clifford died on Tuesday. Her children, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, announced her death on Wednesday afternoon. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts we share our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away. Earlier this year, mom was diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength and endless gratitude. Sadly, the severity of her illness meant she and we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited.' 'On the evening of May 20, surrounded by her family and completely enveloped in our love, she passed away peacefully,' they said. The family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, warmth and love 'from so many people who have drawn close to mom and us' over the past few weeks. 'We want to thank the doctors, nurses and the entire medical team at Morningside Medi Clinic who cared for mom with such compassion. And to each of you who sent messages, shared memories, held us in your hearts and prayed for mom — we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your kindness and care,' they said. The trio described their mother as 'a one-off.' 'She was charismatic and absolutely unique. She was loving, kind, generous and brave. Everything mom did, she did with integrity and love. Our mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. To hear and read your stories — to see our mom through your eyes — has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit, and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.' 'Mom cared deeply for others, poured love into countless lives and lived a life of self-sacrifice. Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential. Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams,' they said. While Clifford was known for bespoke pieces, which attracted a global clientele, her children said their mother's greatest legacy was one of joyful giving. 'She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation. We love our mom with all our hearts and feel so blessed to have her powerful, guiding example for life.' They said her 'magnificent' jewellery was a reflection of her beautiful heart and soul as well as her passion, creativity and her mission to connect people through beautiful, meaningful creations. 'Our family business, Jenna Clifford, is her life's work and is at the heart of our family. We are dedicated to building on mom's solid foundations and to continue the remarkable Jenna Clifford story. We want you to know that we sincerely value our relationship with you. You are an important part of our Jenna Clifford family, and we are grateful that we shall together ensure that mom's legacy endures,' they said. Clifford's family will hold a private funeral. 'We know how many lives our mother touched, and we'll also be hosting a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her. We'll share details of this memorial in due course. We shall always treasure the memory of our precious mother as she was — beautiful, loving and full of life,' they said.
The South African
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The South African
RIP: South African jewellery icon Jenna Clifford dies after cancer battle
The South African creative industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Jenna Clifford, renowned jewellery designer and tireless philanthropy advocate, passed away on Tuesday evening following a courageous battle with advanced-stage cancer. She was 68. Clifford died peacefully at Morningside Medi Clinic, surrounded by her close family. Her daughters – Shayna, Chanelle, and Summer – released a heartfelt statement honouring their mother's strength, grace, and enduring legacy. 'She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength, and endless gratitude,' the family said. 'We were aware of the limited time we had left together and embraced it fully.' They extended their thanks to the medical team for their dedicated care and to the broader community for the overwhelming support shown during her illness. 'To each of you who sent messages, shared memories, held us in your hearts, and prayed for mom, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your kindness and care,' the statement read. Clifford was best known for her exquisite jewellery collections, which have adorned public figures, celebrities, and everyday South Africans alike. However, her family and colleagues remember her as far more than a designer. 'She was an icon, mentor, friend, and hero,' her daughters shared. 'Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger.' Beyond her work in design, Clifford was a committed humanitarian, known for generously giving her time and talents to causes focused on empowerment and education. Her influence extended beyond the world of fashion and design, inspiring a generation to live and create with purpose. 'Mom's magnificent jewellery is a reflection of her beautiful heart and soul,' her daughters said. 'She gave selflessly and lived a life rooted in love and generosity.' Clifford's legacy will live on through the Jenna Clifford brand, which has evolved into a family-run business. Her daughters have vowed to continue the work their mother began, ensuring her story and vision endure. 'We are dedicated to building on mom's solid foundations and to continue the remarkable Jenna Clifford story,' they affirmed. Jenna Clifford leaves behind a legacy that blends creativity with compassion – a life's work that will continue to inspire generations to come. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
