Following the devastating news last month that her beloved husband had passed away, Kerri-Anne Kennerley has given fans an update and revealed some special details ahead of John’s funeral.
Speaking on Monday’s episode of Studio 10, Sarah Harris issued a message on behalf of her “dear friend” and colleague. She revealed that the popular Channel 10 show had received hundreds of condolence messages from fans and that every single message had been passed on to Kerri-Anne.
“She says she’s been deeply touched by such an outpouring of kindness at a really hard time and while she can’t respond to every message personally, she wanted us to pass along her heartfelt thanks,” Sarah explained. “We won’t lie. KAK is doing it really tough at the moment. John was the absolute love of her life.”
The 37-year-old said people don’t come much tougher than the former Good Morning Australia host but revealed the star would be taking a break before making her return to Studio 10 at the end of March. She also explained that John’s funeral would take place on Monday morning.
“Now this morning, her beloved John will be farewelled at a service in Sydney,” Sarah continued. “John Kennerley, he just loved trains. In fact, he had a full model set running through their home and some of his favourite hand-made trains will adorn his coffin.
“KAK also says that John absolutely hated black, he hated her ever wearing it, so she wouldn’t wear it around him and he’s requested that this morning, all mourners wear colour today.”
Sarah explained that she, Angela Bishop and Joe Hildebrand would be attending the service to show their support for their friend and that they would be finishing up on Studio 10 earlier to attend the service.
John passed away at the age of 78 last month after several health challenges following a fall from a balcony in March 2016 that left him partially paralysed. He sustained spinal cord damage following the freak fall, when he slipped off a balcony at a golf course in Coffs Harbour.
He was placed into an induced coma and taken to Sydney where he had emergency surgery on his spine, but the incident left him paralysed and he had to relearn how to speak.
John and Kerri-Anne were married for 35 years and she made the shock announcement to fans on Instagram with a heartfelt message.
“It’s with a heavy heart and awful sadness that I let you know that my beautiful husband John passed away last night,” she wrote. “As you all know, John has faced some tremendous challenges over the past few years and with each he has been extraordinarily brave and determined to overcome those hurdles and live a normal life.
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“I want to thank everyone at St Vincent’s Hospital for the beautiful care they have provided to John in his last days.”
Kerri-Anne explained that her husband passed away with her and his son Simon by his side. She described John as the love of her life. On Sunday, she also shared a happy photo of herself with John on her Instagram page.