Big Ang Loses Her Battle with Cancer at 55: Friends React to Her Death
The Mob Wives star touched the hearts of many with her big personality.
Mob Wives star Angela "Big Ang" Raiola died Thursday morning after a battle with throat cancer, friend Vinnie Medugno confirmed on Twitter. She was 55.
Vinnie posted a statement on behalf of Big Ang's family on the late reality star's Twitter account Thursday morning. "It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends," the statement said. "YOU, (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end. She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy, and peace during this most difficult time."
Big Ang first discovered a large tumor in her throat in 2015, she described to The New York Daily News last May. It was then revealed earlier this year that Big Ang had been diagnosed with stage four brain and lung cancer via a GoFundMe page set up by her sister Janine Detore in an effort to raise money for alternative treatments to chemotherapy, which had not been working.
Big Ang, the niece of the late Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, who was said to be a captain of the Genovese crime family, was best known for starring on the VH1 reality series Mob Wives, which she joined in Season 2 in 2012, as well as the spinoffs Big Ang and Miami Monkey.
Big Ang appeared in a pre-taped segment for The Dr. Oz Show that aired on Tuesday in which she opened up about her cancer battle and fight to stay alive.
Following the news of her passing, Big Ang got a lot of love from Teresa Giudice, who shared a few tributes to her on social media. "So sorry to hear about @biggangVH1 passing away. She was certainly one of a kind and such a beautiful person. Prayers for her & her family," The Real Housewives of New Jersey author tweeted.
Many other Bravolebs also shared their condolences on social media.
Remember the unforgettable Big Ang by checking out her appearance on Watch What Happens Live in 2012.
