Amy Winehouse's stepfather Richard Collins has passed away aged 71 just days after he was admitted to hospital.
Richard was a huge part of the late singer's life, and went on to create the Amy Winehouse Foundation after her death in 2011. He acted as a director and trustee.
A statement issued by the foundation confirming the news of his passing read: "We are very sad to bring you the 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 much love to all the family."
The news of his death comes after Janice informed her Twitter followers recently that Richard was in hospital, and that they'd "nearly lost him twice".
She wrote: "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 @royalfree London for giving him great care and attention.
"I sadly will not respond back to your tweets but only give updates . Janis xxx."
The nature of Richard's death remains unclear.
Richard had long supported Amy during her music career, and featured heavily in the BBC Documentary Reclaiming Amy, which was released last year to mark ten years on from the Back To Black singer's passing.
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During the interview with Lorraine Kelly, Richard recalled the harrowing moment he had to tell his wife that Amy had died.
"It was the worst day of my life," he began.
"I got the phone call to say that Amy had gone, it was actually her cousin who phoned. I said don't be silly we were with her yesterday. We were with her yesterday. He said no I'm being absolutely serious."
Richard continued: "And I had to tell Janis. I said to Janis I don't know what to say, she's gone. And she looked at me, she thought I was talking about my mum because my mum died a month after Amy, my mum was seriously ill. I said no, no, no. Your baby's gone."
The doting stepfather then became overcome with emotion as he spoke of his late stepdaughter.
In the wake of the news of Richard's death, fans have flocked to social media to send their condolences to his family.
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