Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell is mourning his beloved mother, Julie Cowell, after her death on Sunday at 89. The British music mogul cancelled the first day of The X Factor UK auditions to spend time with his grieving family.
“Today our beloved mum Julie passed away,” the Cowell family said in a press statement. “Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace.”
“We would like to thank the media for kindly respecting Julie’s privacy throughout and we politely request continued privacy for the entire family at this particularly difficult time,” the statement said.
After learning the news of his mother’s death, Simon Cowell cancelled the first day of judges’ auditions for The X Factor UK, which were to take place in Manchester. A source close to the family told the Sun that Cowell is “absolutely devastated” by his mother’s passing.
At this time it is unknown when The X Factor UK auditions will resume.