Lizzo has shared the devastating news that her beloved dog Pooka died on Christmas Eve (December 24).
The famous Maltipoo (a cross between a Maltese terrier and poodle) lived a beautiful 18 years in Lizzo’s care. Posting about the news on social media – alongside a photo of herself and the pup, mother Shari Johnson-Jefferson and sister Vanessa Jefferson – Lizzo wrote, “We will always love you, Pooka Diamanté Jefferson.”
Lizzo later shared a series of photos of her and Pooka together, conceding to fans that she’s “not ok” and feeling “so heartbroken”. Fans rushed to share their well wishes, with one writing to the singer, “I’m so sorry. Losing a pet is losing a family member. That empty space will take a long time to feel full and safe again. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to grieve.”
In a third post, showing photos from long before Lizzo became the household name she is today, she wrote: “I have cried every day. I miss you Pooka. So so much. Thank you for almost 20 years of love.”
The sad news caps off a rollercoaster year of ups and downs for Lizzo.
The first half of the year was stacked with highs – she had appearances on Sesame Street, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and The Simpsons, visited Hobbiton and toured Australia (with a headline slot at Splendour In The Grass at the tour’s core) – but things took a sour turn when in August, she was sued by her former dancers for alleged mistreatment and sexual harassment (allegations she labelled “outrageous”).
