NEW YORK — Angela Raiola, better known as “Big Ang” on VH1’s reality series “Mob Wives,” died around 3:00 a.m. EST Thursday morning, according to a tweet made on Raiola’s account by a family friend.
The tweet was posted to her official Twitter account around 4:30 a.m.
“It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM Anglea Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home,” the statement said.
Here’s the full statement:
“It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM Anglea Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing by love from her immediate family, and closest friends. YOU, (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end. She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy, and peace during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say “Love you my babies!” This page will remain open as a celebration of who she was and will always be. It has been my esteemed privilege, and honor to represent her in the highest regard via social media. – Vinnie Medugno”
Several false reports of Raiola’s death circulated in the hours prior to her passing. The family had released a statement Wednesday night saying rumors of her death were untrue and that she continued to fight in the hospital surrounded by her family and friends.
The “Mob Wives” matriarch began chemotherapy in early January for stage 4 brain and lung cancer. Weeks later, a doctor’s prognosis showed that chemotherapy wasn’t working.
Big Ang appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show” on Tuesday to talk about her hopes and depression as she battles cancer.
“Mob Wives” follows a group of Staten Island women and their families. The cast members, who usually live tweet during episodes of the show, were silent Wednesday night.
