The family of veteran Channel 7 news presenter Rob Brough is mourning the tragic loss of his daughter, Jessica Willmot, who has died following a long and courageous battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Jessica's husband, Tammen Willmot, on a GoFundMe page established to support the family during this difficult time.
A Devastating Journey Through Illness
Jessica Willmot, a mother of three, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. She endured months of intensive surgery and treatment, eventually being declared cancer-free. However, in a cruel twist in 2023, doctors discovered a lesion on her brain, leading to a devastating diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer.
Family First: A Father's Sacrifice
Rob Brough, the 71-year-old presenter who first became a household name as the host of Family Feud, made the difficult decision to step away from his on-air role with Channel 7 in regional Queensland in late 2024. He left to spend precious time with his daughter as her condition worsened. Speaking to the ABC last year, Brough described it as an "instant choice" to prioritise family.
"About four years ago our daughter Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer," Brough said. "That was pretty confronting." The family faced further devastation when Jessica developed secondary cancer in her brain. "We got to a tough stage where things weren't working and not a lot of options were available," he reflected. "It was just an easy choice for me to leave work and spend as much time as I could around her and her family."
A Husband's Tribute to a Beloved Wife and Mother
In his emotional online tribute, Tammen Willmot remembered his wife as a deeply loving partner, friend, and mother. "She fought with a strength and courage that inspired everyone around her," he wrote. "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."
He poignantly added, "The space she leaves behind is immeasurable, and our family is navigating a loss that words cannot fully capture." Tammen expressed profound gratitude for the support received, stating, "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."
Honouring a Life and Moving Forward
Tammen shared that his focus is now on honouring his wife's memory, supporting their three children, and learning how to move forward. A funeral service for Jessica Willmot will be held on Friday, with friends and family requested to wear her favourite colour, blue, in her honour.
Rob Brough, who anchored Channel 7's nightly bulletins across the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, and Mackay, has been spending his days caring for his grandchildren on the Sunshine Coast since leaving his role. "Family is everything and we live together," he said. "That's a beautiful thing because bringing up your children and then being a part of your grandchildren's upbringing is as good as it gets."
The passing of Jessica Willmot marks the end of a brave fight that touched many, highlighting the profound impact of cancer on families and the sacrifices made in the name of love and support.
