Overview
- He shared the news on Instagram on March 14, posting a photo captioned with her name, the years 1930–2026, and a blessing.
- White followed with a longer tribute calling her “a Saint” and recalling her prayers for others, love of jigsaw puzzles and Polish food, and the song Don’t Fence Me In.
- Gillis was a frequent presence at his shows, including joining him to sing Hotel Yorba at Little Caesars Arena in 2018 and receiving a song dedication from the balcony in 2023.
- Reporting notes her Detroit roots as an usher at the Masonic Temple and later a secretary for the Archdiocese of Detroit, as well as her role raising ten children and influencing White’s work ethic.
- Most outlets report her age as 95, though at least one listed 96, and coverage highlights fan condolences and messages from friends, with White sharing an additional photo tribute on Monday.