TikTok star Joules Smith has sadly passed away at the age of six.
The young content creator, from the U.K., gained millions of views and followers on TikTok and Instagram with her popular ‘Dance with Joules’ videos.
Joules’ father, Joe Smith, shared the heartbreaking news of her passing on social media.
Smith wrote: “Unfortunately, in the early hours of Monday morning [December 9], our beautiful little dancing queen passed away between me and [my wife] Elisha in our bed.”
He continued: “Joules has been an absolute inspiration to everyone, and I am so proud to be her dad, as is Elisha, her mum. We take great comfort in knowing that she inspired and touched the lives of so many people from around the world.”
Fans have since flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. One wrote: “For once I don’t have any words, but may the beautiful Joules sleep easy and keep dancing.”
Another shared: “Heartbroken for you all and sending so much love. Joules will be in our hearts whenever we dance.”
A third added: “My heart is absolutely broken for you both. Our dancing queen, sending my love and condolences.”
A fourth commenter expressed: “She was the most incredible young lady, and she will never be forgotten.”
Earlier this year, Joules was diagnosed with inoperable diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
According to Nationwide Children’s, DIPG is “an aggressive, malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that develops in a part of the brainstem called the pons. The pons is the portion of the brain that helps send messages to the spinal cord and the rest of the body, controlling important functions like heartbeat, breathing, sleeping, balance, and bladder control.”
DIPG is most commonly diagnosed in children aged five to nine, with around 300 new cases reported each year.
At present, there is no known cure for the tumor, and the cause remains unidentified.
The six-year-old used her ‘Dancing with Joules’ videos to help raise funds and raise awareness about the disease.
In the video confirming the heartbreaking news of Joules’ passing, Smith expressed his gratitude to the medical team at Royal Marsden Hospital for allowing them to experience “absolute happiness, laughing, joking, and the best holidays” during her treatment.
Joules’ funeral, scheduled for later this month, is said to have an open invite for those who supported the six-year-old throughout her journey.
Through tears, Smith added: “She was the bravest, kindest, most beautiful little girl, and we miss her so much.”
“Let’s carry on dancing for our beautiful little Joules, ’cause I know she’ll still be dancing. Just remember, it’s never goodbye. It’s just peace out.”
