Jack White is mourning the loss of his mother, Teresa Gillis, who has died at the age of 96.
The musician shared the heartbreaking news with fans on Instagram on Saturday, March 14, posting a simple message alongside a photo of his mother attending one of his concerts.
“Teresa Gillis. 1930–2026. Rest in peace with the Lord,” he wrote.
White’s Touching Post
Later, White followed up with a longer tribute honoring his mother’s life and the impact she had on their family.
The emotional message was accompanied by a carousel of photos celebrating her life.
“Teresa Gillis. 1930–2026. A woman who gave so much of her love, and gave so much of herself, to her family and everyone she met. She prayed for everyone daily. She loved the song ‘Don’t Fence Me In’, and loved jigsaw puzzles and good Polish food,” he wrote. “She smiled and laughed so much, especially in these last few days with her family, who will all miss her dearly.”
White continued by reflecting on the special bond he shared with his mother as the youngest of a large family.
“She was the youngest of ten just like me, so we had that special bond together on top of everything else she gave me,” White added. “They really don’t make them like this anymore, and as George Jones once sang, that tough question lingers, ‘Who’s gonna fill their shoes?’ She was a Saint.”
Alongside the tribute, White shared a carousel of images, with one of her as she joined White on stage.
Gillis raised ten children, and her strong faith and Polish heritage played an important role in shaping the household where White grew up.
White Previously Talked About His Upbringing
White has previously spoken about how his upbringing influenced his perspective on success and responsibility.
In a 2012 interview with the Guardian, he joked that both his Catholic background and his position as the youngest child came with their own sense of guilt.
“There’s Catholic guilt about things, then there’s the guilt of being the youngest of 10,” he said at the time. “So when nice things happen to you, you’re not really allowed to enjoy them.”
Despite her son’s global success, Gillis remained actively involved in his life and career.
White once recalled how she would pitch in whenever she saw him working long hours, even helping sort vinyl sleeves while he was busy rehearsing in the studio.
When he once offered to drive her home, she refused, worried it would interrupt his work schedule.
“‘No, you’re not dropping me off,’” she reportedly told him. “‘Because you’re not going to go back and rehearse and if you do, I’m going to be mad.’”
Following White’s tribute, fans quickly flooded social media with messages of sympathy and support.
Deepest sympathies & condolences to you Jack, yours & the White family … God bless all Mom’s that love dearly, cook insanely good food, & have our backs to chase our dreams…
RIP
Pauly
Miss & love you Mom…