Tracey Emin’s Brother Alan Passes Away as Artist Shares Hospital Struggles

Tracey Emin mourns brother Alan's death while sharing hospital health updates. Artist reflects on grief and resilience.

September 12, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Dame Tracey Emin has shared a heartfelt message following the passing of her elder brother, Alan, who died last week while she was hospitalized.

The 63-year-old artist expressed deep sorrow in an Instagram post, describing the emotional turmoil of losing a close family member. She reflected on how the loss felt both expected and unexpected, saying, “I keep trying to tell myself the loss and sadness is mine.”

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Emin also revealed her recent health challenges, including a bout of sepsis and acute diverticulitis that left her weak and struggling. She described the physical and emotional toll of repeated infections, writing, “Every bit of pain, every heartbreak feels like the heaviest weight trying to crush me.”

She spoke of her determination to move forward, mentioning her “giant golden shield” as a symbol of strength against negativity. The artist, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020 and received a four-year all-clear in June 2024, continues to navigate life with a stoma bag after extensive surgery.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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