Amor pays heartfelt tribute to Joost
Amor Vittone, the ex-wife of late Springbok legend, Joost van der Westhuizen, has paid tribute to the fallen sports star - just hours after his death.
Joost van der Westhuizen passed away in his Johannesburg home earlier today - surrounded by friends and family. He was 45.
The Springbok rugby great had been battling motor neuron disease - a debilitating terminal condition - since 2011.
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Vittone, a well-known singer within the Afrikaans music industry - took to Facebook just an hour after news of van der Westhuizen's death broke, to pay her last respects.
She posted this heartfelt message (translated from Afrikaans) in remembrance of her ex-husband - who's father to her two children, Jordan and Kylie.
“It’s with a sad and heavy heart that we said farewell to Joost an hour ago. We’ve been embraced with friends and lots of love. Joost, rest in peace and know that Jordan and Kylie will always have you in their hearts. You are now with the angels and not in any pain. You are and always will be my first love. We love you,” she said.
Despite a bitter divorce in 2010 - following rumours of van der Westhuizen's infidelity and an alleged leaked sex tape - Vittone has in recent years remained by her ex's side - putting up a united front and supporting him throughout his battle with motor neuron disease.
In a statement issued by van der Westhuizen's J9 foundation today, the family asked that their privacy be respected as funeral arrangements get underway.