Amy Winehouse death anniversary marked by family tribute
Amy Winehouse’s estate and family honored her 15 years after her death, with her mother Janis speaking about grief and addiction.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Amy Winehouse’s death anniversary was marked Thursday with a tribute from the late singer’s estate and family, 15 years after she died in London at age 27.
Winehouse’s official Instagram account posted a remembrance listing her dates, Sept. 14, 1983, to July 23, 2011, and thanked fans for keeping her legacy alive through her songs.
“Fifteen years on, Amy’s music continues to connect with people around the world,” the post said. It added that her voice, songwriting, honesty and spirit still carry force for listeners today.
How did Amy Winehouse die?
Winehouse died on July 23, 2011, at 27. Alcohol poisoning was cited as the cause in a finding described as “death by misadventure,” according to reports at the time.
The anniversary brought a public tribute from her estate and a fresh reflection from her mother, Janis Winehouse, who spoke to The i about the pain of losing her daughter and the pressure that came with fame.
Janis told the outlet that Amy was “a victim of her own success,” saying the singer did not seek the scale of attention that surrounded her. Janis said her daughter would react to fame with disbelief, asking, “Who, me?”
In the same interview, Janis linked Amy’s alcohol use to a lack of confidence and to addiction’s grip. She said alcohol can dull pain, but once addiction takes hold, “the only boss is the addiction.”
Asked about grief 15 years later, Janis said she keeps living her life because that is what she does. “I get on with life. I live it,” she told The i.
Janis and Mitch Winehouse both visited Amy’s grave on Thursday, according to Parade.
What is the Amy Winehouse Foundation?
The Amy Winehouse Foundation is an organization connected to the singer’s legacy that helps young women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, according to the report. It continues to feature in anniversary events honoring Winehouse’s life and music.
Over the weekend in Winehouse’s native London, the foundation and the Winehouse family staged a free tribute concert for the singer.
The foundation’s wider work was also highlighted in a social media post from Haven House Children’s Hospice, which shared an ITV London News feature about music therapy and the continuing legacy of the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Winehouse remains best known as a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter whose work drew a devoted global audience. Fifteen years on, her family’s public message centered on the music, and on the fans who still return to it.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.