'House Hunters' Host Suzanne Whang Dead At 56 After Astounding 13-Year Cancer Battle

Aw, this is so sad! Suzanne Whang has passed away at the age of 56.

The standup comedian and actress was on Las Vegas and cohosted TV’s Censored Bloopers with Dick Clark. But she was best known as the host and narrator of HGTV‘s hit reality show House Hunters.

HGTV released a statement Friday saying:

“Suzanne was warm, funny and kind with a distinctive voice that made everyone feel at home. Our HGTV family mourns her loss and wishes to express deepest condolences to her friends, fans and family who knew and loved her.”

The upbeat TV personality was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. In 2011 she was told she had only six months to live. But she beat the odds and survived another eight years with humor and joie de vivre.

Photos: Stars We Lost In 2019

Her partner, Jeff Vezain, broke the news of her passing on her Facebook page, writing:

“Suzanne Whang (1962-2019). A lifetime of love, adventure, humor and bliss now lives in our memories. On Tuesday evening around 7:20pm, Suzanne breathed her last breath here at home, as I knelt beside her and caressed her. For thirteen years she confronted cancer with courage, humor, determination and optimism.

She was immensely encouraged by the love of her family, friends and those she had yet to meet. Your kind, loving messages always lifted her spirits. I know she would prefer that her life be celebrated, as opposed to her passing mourned, but I also know how vehemently she disagreed with anyone being told, ‘Don’t cry.’ So…cry if you will. I’ve been crying a LOT!

And laughing…and everything in between. It’s all part of life, but laughter was a staple of our dynamic. Her audacious sense of humor blessed many, shocked a few, but allowed us to laugh in the face of adversity.”

He isn’t kidding. Here’s an example of Suzanne’s humor from earlier this year:

House Hunters Host Suzanne Whang Dead Cancer 56 — “This is what I wore to my fundraiser yesterday! I put googly eyes, lashes, and lips on the tumor, named her Felicia (thanks to the brilliant mind of Jennifer Paz), and we all said ‘Bye!’ to her.” / (c) Suzanne Whang/Facebook

He continued:

“She was an amazing daughter, sister, friend, mentor and advocate. As I, her family and her closest friends process her transition, we ask for your prayers and loving thoughts. We have appreciated all of the kind words and memories shared on her Facebook page. It has brought much comfort.

As I say good bye to a soul who was more than a true love, but also a best friend and an intellectual and spiritual book-end, know that we may not be able to respond to queries, but will try to keep you updated. Thank you.”

#RIP to an incredible spirit.

[Image via WENN.]