There’s no doubt about it, 2020 has been one tough year.
Between the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, devastating bushfires and recession, it’s been a difficult period to face.
WATCH: Olivia Newton-John speaks about Kelly Preston’s death
As well as these issues, many people have been unlucky enough to lose loved ones – and celebrities aren’t immune to mortality, with high-profile names among the lives lost this year.
From stars succumbing to secret health battles to others tragically taken far too soon, here are some the heartbreaking celebrity deaths that occurred in 2020.
Kelly Preston
After privately battling breast cancer for two years, American actress and wife of John Travolta, Kelly Preston, was reported dead at 57 in July.
“Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” a family representative told People magazine.
“She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched.”
Helen Reddy
In September, the world lost a trailblazer. Helen Reddy, an Australian-born singer and actress whose song I Am Woman became the anthem of the 1970s feminist movement, died 78 after a period of ill health following a struggle with dementia.
Jaimi Kenny
Sporting legends Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny have announced the death of their daughter, Jaimi Curry Kenny, whose life was tragically cut short aged 33 in September.
While Jaimi’s family opted not to publicly reveal the exact cause of her death, only noting she had endured a “long-term illness”, they were understandably devastated by the loss.
Naya Rivera
When the four-year-old son of Glee star Naya Rivera was found alone at Lake Piru near Los Angeles in July after the pair went boating, the outlook looked grim for the actress.
Five days after the 33-year-old actress vanished without a trace, Naya’s friends and family’s worst fears were realised when her body was recovered and it was determined that she died due to an accidental drowning.
Jerry Stiller
Jerry Stiller, known for his roles in Seinfeld and The King of Queens, died of natural causes in May. He was 92.
His son, comedian Ben Stiller announced his death on social media, writing: “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed.”
Kenny Rogers
Iconic country and pop singer Kenny Rogers, famous for his hit The Gambler, passed away in March from natural causes under hospice care aged 81.
Kobe Bryant
In a tragic accident that shocked sporting fans around the globe, basketballer Kobe Bryant, 41, was killed along with eight others when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Calabasas, California in January.
Tragically, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna was among the other passengers killed in the crash.
Chadwick Boseman
Another celebrity who chose to keep his serious health battle private, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died aged 43 in August, with his wife and family by his side. He had been secretly battling colon cancer for four years.
Kirk Douglas
After a stellar innings (he was 103), Hollywood golden age icon Kirk Douglas passed away of natural causes in February. Following his death, actor Michael Douglas paid tribute to his father, and credited him with a “life well lived”.
Tom Long
Australian actor Tom Long, who was famous for his roles on SeaChange and The Dish, sadly died in January. He had long been battling cancer after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The actor had been in remission for five months before his death but died of encephalitis at 51.
