Jessie J shares emotional statement QUITTING social media after tragic death of bodyguard
Dave was her bodyguard for four years
Last updated 4th Jan 2019
'Price Tag' singer Jessie J has been left heartbroken after her beloved bodyguard Dave unexpectedly died over the festive period, resulting in the singer quitting social media to spend more 'real time' with her loved one.
Jessie, who is reportedly dating Hollywood actor Channing Tatum, took to her Instagram page to tell her 7.6 million followers that she'll be taking a break from the popular photo sharing site.
She wrote, 'Starting my new year with some unexpected heavy personal stuff has only made me want to be more present in my life. Spending more real time with people I love and some time with myself. When sadness hits, it's important we embrace it, so it doesn't define us. And it's for sure surfaced some emotions and things I needed to work on with all my attention and love.
Jessie continued, 'I have to practice on myself what I talk about in stage and in my music too. In a good way. So I am taking a solid break from all social media for a while. Not forever but awhile. For now, anything posted will be work related by my team. want to live in the moment as much as I can and not through my phone.
'I love you all. Happy new year. The year of LIVING THE best life for YOU. See you soon.' sic
Although Jessie disabled comments on her post, fans were quick to show their support for the singer by liking her statement.
It comes after Jessie announced the sad news of her bodyguard's death on 30th December 2018.
Sharing a number of photos of the pair together over the last four years, a heartbroken Jessie wrote, 'The love you had for your children. Was everything ❤️ We would laugh till we cried nearly everyday. We created Penelope and the blue Shetland pony together. We talked about our dreams. We talked about what our biggest fears were. You weren’t just my security, we ARE family. 4 years. Me and you. Remember when you got me the blue Shetland pony cake for the end of The Voice Aus.'
She continued, 'When we went to see fifty shades in Aus and giggled the whole way through. When you would text me when I was filming The Voice on the breaks to make me laugh. The late night walks we would take together to get some air. Who would shout “banana” quickest. When you came to see me when I was in hospital to cheer me up and I was out of it on anaesthetic and we again just laughed. You were so worried about me. You looked after me.
'Working out by the side of the bus everyday before the tour. You would push me and tell me I could do better. When you would do anything so I could see my fans waiting. You would always sort it out so it was safe for them and me. When I was terrified on that flight from Dubai to London because of the turbulence and you held my hand for 8 hours. I will never forget that. When we would go shopping and try on silly hats and glasses.
'When you would carry me to stage because my shoes wouldn’t make it through the mud. The way we laughed. I keep going back to that. We had so much fun Dave. Your love for working out. The way you would eat your meals and I would always wish I could be so disciplined. I am now. You inspired me. Your love for your dogs. Your love for tattoos. Your love for travelling. Your gentleness. Your voice. The way you stuck by me when everyone else left. It was me and you in Aus. You were my rock. I wrote this because I want everyone to remember the man you were. You were a gentle giant with a heart so big everyone felt it. I love you so much. We were supposed to meet for hot chocolate next week. I miss you. I will see you on the other side one day. Rest easy Dave / give your Dad a hug from me 💔✨🙏�'. sic
As well as paying tribute to Dave on her Instagram, the singer has also filled her stories with photos of the pair together.
The cause of Dave's death is unknown.
Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.