Louis Tomlinson and mother Johannah Deakin attend the Believe In Magic Cinderella Ball in London in August 2015.

Story highlights

Tomlinson's mom is well known by fans

She had leukemia

CNN  — 

Johannah Deakin, the mother of One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, has reportedly died.

According to People, Deakin died from leukemia on Wednesday. She was 43.

“It is with immeasurable sadness that Johannah Deakin’s family said goodbye to Johannah in the early hours of Wednesday, December 7,” the family said in a statement. “Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia that required immediate and continuous treatment. We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private.”

Deakin, who was a midwife, is well known to One Direction fans and often appeared on social media with her famous son.

Tomlinson recently posted a pic of him and mother, who was lovingly known as “Jay,” with the caption, “My mother looking gorgeous before the Brits earlier this year. I love you and miss you so much!”

Some of Tomlinson’s famous friends including the man who made his group famous after they were discovered on “X Factor,” Simon Cowell, sent condolences via social media.

“Heartbroken for you @Louis_Tomlinson,” Cowell tweeted. “Your mum Jay was an incredible person. Sending you all my love.”

Tomlinson will reportedly appear on “X Factor” Saturday, where he is expected to honor his mother.