Davina McCall became emotional discussing the final weeks and moments she shared with her sister, Caroline, who died from lung cancer at the age of 50. Caroline received a terminal diagnosis in August 2012 and passed away just seven weeks later.
During an appearance on the podcast "Begin Again," McCall, 58, spoke with host Ben Cohen, who also experienced the loss of a spouse to cancer. McCall described a particularly intimate moment two days before her sister's death when Caroline allowed her to bathe her, a level of vulnerability she had never shared before.
"She gifted me that," McCall said, recalling the experience as both "saddest, but most beautiful." She fought back tears as Cohen offered words of encouragement, suggesting that Caroline would be proud of how McCall is keeping her memory alive.
Caroline was McCall's older half-sister. Their mother, Florence, struggled with severe alcoholism throughout her life. Caroline lived in Paris with Florence, while McCall was raised in England by her paternal grandparents. Florence died in 2008, after both her daughters had distanced themselves from her.
McCall previously shared details of her sister's diagnosis on Steven Bartlett's "Diary Of A CEO" podcast. She found Caroline paralyzed one morning and, after taking her to the hospital, learned of the terminal diagnosis. McCall then cared for her sister at home.
"I wish she was here so I could tell her how great life is," McCall said. "I never thought she would die at 50, she was a great person, she still had so much more to give. It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me."
McCall reflected on how her sister taught her much during her illness, remaining brave and never complaining. She noted that in her final days, Caroline allowed McCall to assist her with personal care, a gesture that offered a unique closeness. McCall was with Caroline when she passed, speaking to her and reassuring her that she would be okay, as Caroline had always been a significant support system for her.
Caroline's diagnosis revealed primary lung cancer in both lungs, two brain tumors, and potential bone cancer. Upon hearing the news, Caroline reportedly told McCall, "it's all my fault" in reference to her smoking history.
McCall stated that their conversations became more open in the weeks leading up to Caroline's death, calling the last seven weeks the "best seven weeks" of her sister's life. After a month in the hospital, they returned to a cottage. Plans for Caroline's first chemotherapy session were scheduled for two days after she died. The sisters had created a bucket list, which included a trip to France and visiting friends.