Amy Winehouse’s stepfather Richard Collins has died just days after he was hospitalised with a mystery illness. Richard’s death was confirmed in a statement from the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which he founded following the singer’s death in 2011.
A spokesperson for the charity tweeted: “We are very sad to bring you news that our trustee Richard Collins has passed away this week.
“Devoted and caring husband to Janis, and dad to Michael and Jess, we will always remember his great humour and sense of fun.
“Sending love to all the family.”
Tributes have flooded in from fans of Amy as well as those who knew Richard.
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Fan page, Amy Winehouse UK, penned: “Such devastating news and so sudden.
“He was always so kind and generous towards the fans, including myself. He was such a joker and so cheeky with me!
Jonathan Simpson, Labour councillor for Camden, echoed: “Richard Collins will be hugely missed. His humour and dad jokes always put a smile on everyone in a room.
She tweeted: “Hi all in Twitter land, hubby (Richard) has been in hospital since last week and we nearly lost him twice!
“I would like to thank all the medics for giving him great care and attention. I sadly will not respond back to your tweets but only give updates. Janis xxx.”
Richard and Janis appeared on Lorraine last July to mark the tenth anniversary of Amy’s death.
During the interview, Richard recalled the devastating moment he told Janis that her daughter had died.
“I said, ‘Don’t be silly, we were with her yesterday. We were with her yesterday’. He said no I’m being absolutely serious.
Following Amy’s death, Richard helped set up The Amy Winehouse Foundation to help struggling young people.
