Don Lemon Celebrates Mother's Day with Photo of Mom & Late Sister

Don Lemon joined millions across the globe in celebrating Mother’s Day with a heartwarming tribute to his mom and his late sister who passed away last year.

The openly gay CNN host lost his sister to a fishing accident in 2018, but in a recent Instagram post, could not help describing her as an “awesome mom.”

Lemon took to Instagram on Sunday with a throwback image of himself flanked on both sides by his mom, Katherine Lemon-Clark and his late sister, L'Tanya “Leisa” Lemon Grimes.

'The advice I get from most people is: Don’t become obsessed with the ceremony...' ~Don Lemon

“Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and heavenly big sis,” the 53-year-old wrote. “I miss her every day. Two awesome moms.”

Lemon’s sister, Leisa, died early last year after accidentally drowning in a pond while fishing in Denham Springs, Louisiana. According to The Times-Picayune that reported the tragedy, Leisa was 58 at the time of her death.

FAMILY TRAGEDY

The TV host took some time off from his “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon” and in a Twitter message, thanked everyone for their support.

“Thanks, everyone for your words of sympathy. Please keep my family in your prayers,” Lemon penned alongside a picture of his sibling. “Leisa was my oldest sister & partner in crime growing up. Always had my back. #RIPbigSis”

DEALING WITH THE LOSS

In an official statement, the deceased’s family also detailed how they planned to get through the loss of their loved one.

"The Lemon/Grimes family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers at this time. Our family has suffered the tragic loss of L'Tanya 'Leisa' Lemon Grimes and we are leaning on each other for strength at this time. We appreciate privacy as we grieve the loss of our loved one.”

SEARCHING THE PAST

Four years before Leisa’s death, in 2014, Lemon and his mom, Katherine went on an emotional journey to Africa in search of their roots.

While discussing the impact of their journey on Lemon’s show, the mother-son duo got emotional all over again.

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY

“It was an amazing trip that I will never, ever forget,” Katherine said, after describing how it felt to learn more about slavery. “I want to thank everyone for allowing us to go there.”

Lemon, who was shedding tears just like his mom, added:

“I could not have made this trip without you, and I’m so glad that I got to share this with you.”

DON LEMON ON MARRIAGE

The bond between Lemon and his family is undeniable, just as that between the journalist and his fiancé, Tim Malone.

Lemon took to Instagram last month with the good news that Tim proposed on his own birthday, but the couple is in no hurry to tie the knot.

“I’m just trying to enjoy this moment of bliss. And then, whenever we get married, we get married,” Lemon recently said at an awards ceremony. “The advice I get from most people is: Don’t become obsessed with the ceremony or wedding planning — just enjoy it.”