Heartbroken singer announces grandad’s death weeks after coming out to him-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Cat Burns revealed her beloved grandfather has died (Picture: Getty Images)

Singer Cat Burns just revealed that she’s grieving the loss of her grandfather, John Burns – just weeks after coming out to him.

The popular artist is known for her hit single Go, which reached number two on the UK charts in 2022. She’s already been nominated for three Brit Awards and is set to release her debut album, Early Twenties, in 2024.

Burns has been open about her sexuality since June 2020 when she told her 1.8Million TikTok followers that she likes ‘girls and boys.’ In 2021 the star started dating her girlfriend Jodie, who she regularly posts on her social media.

Her queer identity has been central to her career, particularly after she released the queer anthem Free. She told the Gay Times that she’s received messages from fans telling her how much of an inspiration she and her music has been for them to embrace their own sexualities.

She said: ‘I literally wrote the song in an hour, so it’s crazy to see how it has impacted people in such a profound way.

‘I think I’m part of a wave of LGBTQ+ artists that are encouraging others to be more open. We’re singing about more complex things within the themes of love and relationships, such as dating someone who’s not out yet.

‘A lot of artists have started to become more comfortable telling those important stories, both lyrically and visually, which has allowed me to be more open.’

While she may have been open for a long time with her fans, she only recently came out to her beloved grandfather.

In a moving post announcing that he had passed away, Burns said: ‘A few weeks ago I got to properly come out to my grandad, he was shocked & sad that I could ever think that he wouldn’t love me or that he would see me differently.’

Cat Burns said she promises to keep her grandfather’s ‘legacy alive’ (Picture: Getty Images)

The heartfelt post began: ‘My incredible grandad, John burns, is now up in heaven. I feel so lucky to have gotten 23 years with you grandad. my inspiration. YOU LIVED. He was 89. Born in 1934. Part of the windrush generation, came to England & worked his absolute ass off n BOUGHT HIS HOME in Wales.

‘He did so much, but he loved photography! Documenting every moment. He was fighter. Even in his last moments he was trying to sit himself up and told the doctors he didn’t need any help.’

She went on to share the complicated grief she’s feeling as she both misses her grandfather and is glad he’s no longer in pain.

The star wrote that she would take her grandfather ‘with her in life’ (Picture: Instagram)

She continued: ‘I’m so glad you’re not in pain anymore grandad. A few weeks ago I got to properly come out to my grandad, he was shocked & sad that I could ever think that he wouldn’t love me or that he would see me differently.

‘He told me he loved me and held my hand so tight. He has no idea how healing that was for me. He is literally what we all want from life, to live a long one, and be able to look at all you created before you go.’

The emotional message ended with Burns promising to keep the lessons she learned from her grandfather alive and carry him with her the rest of her life.

Burns first rose to fame for her hit single Go in 2022 (Picture: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/Shutter)

She wrote: ‘So many parts of him I will take with me in life. Mainly his kindness, his ability to forgive, his RESILIENCE, his fight, his desire to connect, help & inspire, and his fruitful lighthearted look on life, he would joke about any and everything, and love to wind you up haha. I promise to keep your legacy alive.

‘I promise to let people know your name, our name, as far and as wide as I can. Through all the times where I may feel low, I’ll remind myself that grief is love with no place to go. I love you so much grandad. Rest in eternal peace. 1934-2024. 🤍🕊️’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More