Jim Carrey’s older sister Rita dies as devastated husband pays tribute to his ‘best friend & beautiful wife’
JIM Carrey’s older sister Rita has died, her husband revealed on Friday.
The legendary actor’s sibling passed away “peacefully and quietly” and was “surrounded by her family”.
A Facebook post written by her husband Alex read: “It is with heavy heart and my deepest sadness, surrounded by her family and friends Rita passed away peacefully and quietly on November 14 2024.
“Rita and I have been together for 16 years and we just got married last year in July in an outdoor wedding that she has always wanted.
“Rita always had a loving soul and wanted to help everyone even total strangers.
“As everyone knows Christmas was Rita’s favorite holiday actually it was everyday for her and she started a fundraiser to help a local charity.”
He said “family and friends are invited to attend a candlelight vigil in Rita’s memory on December 7” at an address in Ontario.
In a heart-wrenching tribute to his wife Alex wrote: “Goodbye my lover. Goodbye my friend. Until we meet again.
“You really did have the Time of your life. Your bestest friend and husband, Alex.”
Rita was one of four – with siblings John, Patricia and the youngest – Jim.
She was openly proud of her brother, calling him “the world’s greatest actor and comedian”.
In 2005 she tragically lost her son Marty in a car accident when he was just 25 years old.
She wrote a book called Growing Up Carrey which talked about growing up alongside future star Jim as well as the grief that followed her son’s death.
One line read: “When I look back at it, I didn’t realize we were really homeless. I just thought we were camping. My parents made it a good time. That’s what life was like.”
Rita worked as a radio host, public speaker and performed in a rock band.
Hundreds paid tribute to her online, sharing their condolences with her husband Alex.
One wrote: “So sorry for your loss, Rita and I worked together at Giant FM, she was a wonderful woman with incredible passion and warmth.”
Another said: “I’m so sad to hear this. Rita was a wonderful, sweet and talented person. So loved by everyone. My condolences to all of her family and friends.”
While a third wrote: “My very deepest condolences Alex, I am so saddened to hear this.
“We were at your wedding celebration and Rita was so happy with you, and when she sang that night everything was so perfect.
“Rita will be deeply missed and I am so lucky to have known her and call her friend.”
Former TV host Bob Cowan wrote on X: “RIP Rita Carrey. My dear friend passed away yesterday from a lengthy illness.
“[Rita] was first and foremost a great Mom, a talented singer, radio host and always proud big sis to [Jim Carrey].
“I will forever miss her big laugh and smiles.”