The beloved daughter of a long-time Channel Seven newsreader who became a familiar and trusted presence in Sunshine Coast living rooms has died after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Rob Brough’s daughter, Jess Willmott, passed away on February 5 after years of fighting multiple forms of the disease.
“Yesterday, 5.2.26, our beautiful Jess passed away,” her husband, Tammen Willmott, wrote in a heartfelt update shared on a GoFundMe page established to support the family.
“She fought with a strength and courage that inspired everyone around her. Even through the hardest moments, she showed what true resilience looks like. While our hearts are completely broken, we find some comfort in knowing she is now at peace and no longer suffering.”
Mr Willmott said Jess was deeply loved as a wife, a mother, a friend and “an extraordinary human”.
“The space she leaves behind is immeasurable, and our family is navigating a loss that words cannot fully capture,” he wrote.
“We want to thank every single person who has supported us, prayed for us, donated, and stood beside us throughout this journey. Your kindness has carried us more than you could ever know.
“Right now, our focus is on honouring Jess, supporting our children and learning how to move forward while holding her love with us always.
“From the bottom of my heart – thank you for walking this path with us.”
The GoFundMe campaign was launched in November by Jess’ cousin, Sarah Bond, who detailed the difficult journey the family had faced.
“In November 2021, my beautiful cousin Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Ms Bond wrote.
“She faced it with incredible courage, undergoing treatment that included a single mastectomy. After 18 long months of surgeries, chemotherapy and countless hospital visits, Jess finally heard the words she had been fighting for – she was cancer free.”
That relief was short-lived.
“After just one month, in mid-2023, Jess and her family received devastating news: doctors had found a lesion on her brain,” the post said.
“She was rushed to Brisbane for surgery and began yet another chapter in her fight.”
A funeral notice published by Gregson and Weight Funerals said a private celebration of life would be held on February 13.
Jess’ father, Rob Brough became a household name nationally as host of Family Feud from 1989 to 1995 before later joining Seven Queensland, where he fronted news bulletins and regional programming for almost two decades.
He took extended leave last year, stepping back from his on-air role to support his daughter and help care for her three children following her secondary cancer diagnosis.
The loss adds to significant personal hardship already endured by the veteran broadcaster, who lost his three-year-old son Sam more than 30 years ago after a sudden asthma attack at the family home.
