Jessie J Leaves Social Media In The Wake Of Personal Tragedy

By Paris Close

January 4, 2019

An unfortunate tragedy has urged Jessie J to go offline and be more present for those she loves.

On Thursday (January 3), the "Price Tag" artist announced her leave from social media in light of learning her longtime bodyguard, Dave, had suddenly passed away this week. "Starting my new year with some unexpected heavy personal stuff has only made me want to be more present in my life," she shared in a message posted to Instagram and Twitter.

"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," she continued. "I have to practice on myself what I talk about in stage and in my music too. … So I am taking a solid break from all social media for a while. Not forever but awhile."

Jessie's hiatus notice arrived days after she celebrated the security guard's life in a series of mournful homages. "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," she reminisces in a lengthy letter. "The way you stuck by me when everyone else left. It was me and you in [Australia]. You were my rock."

Jessie describes in her note all the special memories she shared with Dave, who motivated her to exercise on tour, bantered with her between filming takes on The Voice, and held her hand through turbulent flights that would have otherwise frightened her.

"I wrote this because I want everyone to remember the man you were," she continued, closing with. "You were a gentle giant with a heart so big everyone felt it. I love you so much. I will see you on the other side one day."

The aspects of Dave's death are unknown, though Jessie's message reveals he is survived by his children.

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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. 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 💔✨🙏🏻

A post shared by J E S S I E . J (@jessiej) on Dec 30, 2018 at 8:29am PST

Photo: Getty Images

TopicsJessie J