Johnny Ruffo's girlfriend Tahnee Sims opened her heart in an emotional Instagram post.
Sims took to Instagram to share the ups and downs of the past year and the frightening prospect of facing the new year without her beloved partner.
Ruffo died peacefully in a Sydney hospital with his family and his beloved partner Sims by his side after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 35.
Sims wrote, “This year is hard to put into words…experienced some incredible highs and was completely shattered by the lowest of lows.”
With a mix of concern and hope, Sims expressed her conflicting feelings about the start of 2024.
Johnny Ruffo's girlfriend Tahnee Sims opened her heart in an emotional Instagram post. Both pictured
“When I think about the start of a new year, part of me welcomes the new year and the other part can't bear the thought of entering the new year without J,” she shared.
Her words paint a vivid picture of her struggle to move forward while also cherishing the memories of the years she spent alongside Ruffo.
Ruffo died on November 10th surrounded by his family and his long-time partner Sims.
Sims took to Instagram to share the ups and downs of the past year and the frightening prospect of facing the new year without her beloved partner
Sims wrote, “This year is hard to put into words…experienced some incredible highs and was completely shattered by the lowest of lows.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” said a statement announcing his death.
“Surrounded by Tahnee and his family, Johnny passed peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors.”
His family announced on his personal Instagram account that a memorial service for the star would be held in Perth on November 25.
“When I think about the start of a new year, part of me welcomes the new year and the other part can't bear the thought of entering the new year without J,” she shared
“A memorial service celebrating John’s incredible life will be held in Perth, WA on November 25th,” the message reads. “More details” to follow.
“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy.” Johnny was very determined and strong-willed. He fought until the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul who still has so much to give.
“We all love you, Johnny, and will remember you for all the joy you brought into our lives. 'Sleep peacefully.'
Last month Ruffo died peacefully in a Sydney hospital with his family and his beloved partner Sims by his side after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 35
Johnny was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after being hospitalized with painful migraines.
In August of that year, he underwent immediate surgery and a 7cm brain tumor was surgically removed from his frontal lobe before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Johnny went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but announced in November 2020 that the disease had returned.
In August 2022, he confirmed that his brain tumor diagnosis was terminal and said he was afraid of how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope if he was dead.
In December 2022, Johnny endured another year of chemotherapy and revealed he was looking forward to taking some time off over Christmas to spend time with family.
Timeline of Johnny Ruffo's life before his death at age 35
1988 – Ruffo was born in Perth to parents Jill and Pascoe
2011 – Singer's career takes off on X Factor Australia, where he placed third
2012 – Ruffo wins Dancing With The Stars. He also releases his debut single “On Top”.
2013 – Ruffo's acting career begins with an appearance on Channel Seven's Home and Away as Chris Harrington
2015 – Singer meets his partner Tahnee Sims
2017 – Ruffo is first diagnosed with brain cancer after being hospitalized with painful migraines
2019 – He announces his cancer is in remission
2020 – Ruffo's cancer returns
2022 – The actor confirms his cancer is incurable
2023 – Ruffo dies of brain cancer in the presence of Tahnee and his family
In March this year, Johnny began further chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side.
Last year, in a heartbreaking interview on The Project, he opened up about his worries about how Tahnee would cope after his death.
“You can only imagine how difficult it was for her,” he told then-host Carrie Bickmore.
“What goes through my mind a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it could be for them if something happened to me.”
“So, it's something I don't want to think about. “It just makes me a little emotional because I know that at some point something is going to happen, whether it's a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years from now.”
He also told Bickmore that he had already exceeded his life expectancy.
“It's going to get to me at some point, but I'm still fighting.” It's still going on. If you look at my diagnosis and my tumor, the average life expectancy is three years,” he said.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Johnny began his showbiz career when he successfully auditioned for the third series of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Ruffo was the last contestant eliminated in the competition, which was ultimately won by Reece Mastin.
A music career followed, with Johnny releasing several hit singles including On Top and Take It Home.
However, he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
In 2020, he also appeared in that series' soap rival series Neighbors.
The actor is best known for his role as Chris Harrington on the Seven soap from 2013 to 2016 (pictured).