Louis Tomlinson breaks Instagram silence after tragic passing of his mother Johannah to thank fans for support over X Factor performance
Louis Tomlinson has broken his Instagram silence since his mother Johannah's tragic passing, to thank fans for their support.
The star, 24, took to the site on Friday to upload a photo of him onstage with Steve Aoki at the Wembley Arena - shortly after their performance at the X Factor final on Saturday.
He accompanied the image, which received over 500,000 likes within an hour of its posting, with the caption: 'Thank you for the incredible support :)'
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Staying strong: Louis Tomlinson has broken his Instagram silence since his mother Johannah's tragic passing, to thank fans for their support
The simple but effective post is made far more poignant by the fact that his last image shared with fans is one of him and his late mother.
The sweet throwback photo, which Louis uploaded three weeks ago, sees him and Johannah smiling side by side as they prepared to make their way to the BRIT Awards back in February.
He wrote beside the photo, posted just weeks before her untimely death: 'My mother looking gorgeous before the Brits earlier this year . I love you and miss you so much!'
'Miss you so much!': Louis' post is made more poignant by the fact that his last upload was a shot of him and his mother Johannah (above) getting ready for the BRITs earlier this year
In a statement released to MailOnline on Friday, the Tomlinson family announced Johannah's death.
'It is with immeasurable sadness that Johannah Deakin's family said goodbye to Johannah in the early hours of Wednesday 7th December 2016,' it read.
'Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia that required immediate and continuous treatment.
'We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private.'
True pro: Despite his heartbreaking loss Louis decided to continue with his planned live performance on the X Factor final on Saturday night - which his Instagram refers to
However nothing short of professional, Louis decided to continue with his planned live performance on the X Factor final on Saturday night alongside DJ Steve Aoki - in tribute to his 42-year-old mum.
Premiering his first solo effort, Just Hold On, the star received a standing ovation for the energetic performance, in light of his heartbreaking loss.
Acknowledging Louis' strength and courage, Simon Cowell said after his appearance: 'Louis, I have to say I've known you for six years. The bravery of what you've done. I respect you as an artist, as a person and your mum was so proud of you and she was so excited for the performance.
Strong: Premiering his first solo effort, Just Hold On, with DJ Steve Aoki, the star received a standing ovation for the brave performance
Touching: Music mogul Simon Cowell said in a touching tribute after the set: 'The bravery of what you've done. I respect you as an artist, as a person and your mum was so proud of you'
Before emotionally adding: 'She's looking down on you tonight.'
Prior to his Instagram post on Friday the youngster had already taken to Twitter to show his gratitude to fans for helping him through his grief.
Addressing his 25.3 million followers, he wrote: 'All the support has been incredible! Let's do this together tonight.'
Following the set he then added, clearly overwhelmed: 'Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so f**ing proud ( sorry for swearing mum ) love you !...
Devastated: In a statement released to MailOnline on Friday, the Tomlinson family announced the tragic passing of mother Johannah, 42, after a battle with leukemia
Overwhelming: Prior to his Instagram post on Friday the youngster had already taken to Twitter to show his gratitude to fans for helping him through his grief
'That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special!'
Before praising his collaborator Steve, as he finished: 'Also @steveaoki , you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this ! Pure talent and a real gent !'
The debut dance single has since topped the iTunes charts in 29 countries, and reached the top five in a whopping total of 67.
Johannah leaves behind Louis and six other children - Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both aged two, as well as Louis' ten-month-old son Freddie.
RIP: Johannah leaves behind Louis and six other children - Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both aged two, as well as Louis' ten-month-old son Freddie
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