Actress Jennifer Grey announced on Tuesday that her mother, Jo Wilder, died on July 4 at the age of 94. Grey shared on Instagram that her mother's passing was "by her own choosing" and "with dignity" just one week after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
"True to who she was, she chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy," Grey, 66, wrote on social media.
Wilder, who was described by Grey as a "gorgeous and talented" woman, had a life that included a stint as a "promising young actress on the New York stage." Grey noted that her mother "never fully answered that calling" as she prioritized being a mother to Jennifer and her brother, James Katz.
"If she’d chosen ambition over my brother and me, we never would have had the mother we had," Grey stated. She also recalled her mother as a "lifelong activist, fiercely attuned to right and wrong."
Many people later discovered Wilder's "extraordinary eye" through Wilder Place, her store on Melrose Avenue. Grey described her mother as "brave and deep."
Grey concluded her tribute with a message to her mother: "I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do it all, even this, with grace."
The social media post included several black-and-white photographs of Wilder, some of which featured Grey and Katz. A number of celebrities offered their condolences in the comments section, including Katie Couric and Julianne Moore.
Tracy Pollan, wife of Michael J. Fox, shared a heartfelt message, writing, "I am thinking of you and the radiant Jo Wilder today. I feel so blessed to have had your beautiful mother in my life. I will cherish my memories of her warmth, love and guidance. So heartbroken she is gone, but grateful she left us with the dignity she lived with. I love you both."
Grey's ex-husband, Clark Gregg, also commented with heart emojis.
In previous years, Grey had often shared tributes to her mother on social media. On Mother's Day 2024, she posted, "So lucky to be able to celebrate our dear ol' mom, Jo Wilder!! Had the best time today with my brother and this 92 year old beauty!"