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American Idol

Elliott Yamin’s Mom Dies at Age 65

April 1, 2008


The mother of former American Idol star Elliott Yamin has died, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

Claudette Yamin passed away on Monday night at the age of 65.

The cause of death has not been released; however, she was hospitalized over the weekend, the paper reports.

Yamin, 29, was the third runner-up on the fifth season of American Idol.

A message posted on Yamin’s Web site Monday by friend Brandon Crowe is titled: “May She Rest in Peace.”

It reads: “The world lost a beautiful soul. I can’t go into any details at this time except to say that she went peacefully. Elliott wanted me to let you all know, but we are asking that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time. We are all aware of your prayers, and we thank you. In lieu of sending flowers, we ask that donations be sent to the local chapter of the Richmond JDRF. Thanks again for all your support and prayers … it’s helped us through the day.”

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday in Richmond, Va., according to
the Times-Dispatch.

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kristie April 1st, 2008

my thoughts & prayers are with elliot & his family. god bless his mom. may she rest in peace.

Ruby's Two-Cents April 1st, 2008

He sure looks different than when I saw him on AI a number of years ago. I’m glad his mother lived long enough to enjoy witnessing his successes since the show ended. May she RIP and my sincerest condolences to him. I know how precious she was to him.

mary April 1st, 2008

this is so sad. i remember seeing her happy face in the audience on the show. i will pray for the Yamin family during this hard time. God bless them. :[

Brittnee April 1st, 2008

This must be very hard on Elliott and his family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Theresa April 1st, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Elliott. May
Ms. Claudette rest in peace.

alli April 1st, 2008

She seemed very sweet and supportive. I can picture her cheering for Elliot in the AI audience right now, and I remember hearing that she was staying on friends’ couches in California just to be able to attend the shows and support him. What a lady.

Linda April 1st, 2008

Claudette Yamin was a beloved soul, as is her dear son, Elliott. She will be greatly missed. May God grant Elliott and the family peace and comfort.

jackie April 1st, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Elliott and the entire Yasmin family. Claudette was a woman of strength and humor and will be missed

Carol April 1st, 2008

I admired Claudette very much , I’m glad she got to see Elliott’s sucess ! Elliott We Love You ! From a Moosak Sista / E-Trainer !

R.I.P. April 1st, 2008

R.I.P. TO HIS MOTHER, MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY, OH & ELLIOT HAS NICE TEETH NOW! :)

Judi April 1st, 2008

My heart goes out to Elliott. Claudette was a strong and positive force in his life. How sweet that she lived to see him succeed beyond her dreams. She will be missed.

Sonia April 1st, 2008

How terrible. My thoughts are with the family.

Bri April 1st, 2008

My greatest sympathy goes out to Elliott and his family. His mom was such a cute women and will be missed.

JackieB April 1st, 2008

America fell in love with Claudette right along with Elliott. My thoughts and prayers are with Elliott and his sister and brother during their terrible loss.

Jeanne' April 1st, 2008

My heart is heavy for Elliott, and his family. The loss of Claudette, is one of deep sorrow, and she will always be missed.
To me, she was the only memorable parent, from American Idol ever! She showed, such joy and pride for her son. She was amazed right along with us, watching Elliott singing from is soul, and growing right before our eyes. She gave birth, to a “star in the making”! She did not know Elliott could sing, until a short time before he tried out for American Idol. That is why, she was an absolute joy to watch, when he would sing! Pure pride & awe. We love her, and when Elliott sings, some of her will alway’s be there!

Beth K April 1st, 2008

We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Yamin family at this very difficult time. May your most cherished memories be of comfort to you all now and always.
Love and Peace to you.

Khylee April 1st, 2008

Oh, so sad. People mag, let him grieve siently, don’t follow him everywhere 4 a bit!

Khylee April 1st, 2008

oops, I meant silently!

cathy April 1st, 2008

So sorry to hear about Elliot’s mom. She was
so supportive, so proud of her very talented
son.

Jenn April 1st, 2008

I was so sad to see this news. I remember seeing Elliots mom on AI. She was so sweet and you could tell she was just so proud of him. I hope that he finds comfort in his memories with her.

Debbie April 1st, 2008

My heart goes out to Elliott and his family at this time. I so loved watching his mom when he was on AI. She had so much to be proud of. May she rest in peace now and be the angle from above watching down on her beloved family.

shelia April 1st, 2008

my daugher and i would like to send our love and prayers to you in your time of loss. we could see on idol how much your mom meant to you.

Lynn Dixon April 1st, 2008

Elliott, you and your family are all in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. May your Mother rest in peace. She will forever shine down from heaven.

L. Donahue April 1st, 2008

Elliott,

I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know that during your time on the show, she was always in the audience giving you her full support and always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Emilie April 1st, 2008

Bless you Elliott, she is looking over you and will be with you always. I could tell how much she meant to you and you were very special to her as well. God will take care of her - bless you

Sarah April 1st, 2008

Elliott, I am sorry for your lost.

Laura April 1st, 2008

My prayers and toughts are with Elliott and his family during this time.

Barbara April 1st, 2008

Elliott, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Watching your Mom during season 5 was so heart warming, she reminded me of my beloved Mother who passed away almost 5 years ago. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

In Mourning April 1st, 2008

Dear Elliot:

My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. I, too, lost my mother two days after Thanksgiving, in November. She, too, was 65 years young. My mother was my best friend and the one I admired most in my life. I hope that the pain you and I feel will be comforted by the joy in knowing they are both now our guardian angels who shine Heaven on us daily. God bless you to let you know that she is with you always in your heart.

Tracy April 1st, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to Elliot and his family. I pray for peace and serenity during this difficult time.

Taylor April 1st, 2008

How sad, I remember her on the show. Elliott, I am so sorry for your loss.

Anna April 1st, 2008

Elliott, My dearest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time.

Chris April 1st, 2008

Elliott,
That everyone liked your mother so much, and remembers her so vividly, says volumes about the special person she was. Clearly you have inherited her ability to connect with people. People like her go to a special place in heaven. Be well and be strong.

JamesB April 1st, 2008

Thoughts and prayers to Elliott and the rest of the Yamin family. God Speed.

Joplin April 1st, 2008

Soar, Sweet Claudette, Soar…

Kathy April 1st, 2008

What a terrible loss. My heart goes out to Elliott and his family.

Rhonda April 1st, 2008

Elliott,
My thoughts and prayers are with you…I know how close you and your mom were. I also know she’ll be with you always.

Be blessed.

Rene April 1st, 2008

May the Lord bless and guide the family during this difficult time.

To the person posting under the name RIP, I pray that the Lord will heal you of the mental illness from which surely you suffer. To post such a comment is clearly a sign of mental illness. But, God can heal you if you will ask.

Torrie April 1st, 2008

My Sympathy & prayers are with Elliot and His Family, May God give you peace & strength through this time, a rest assured you will see Claudette again one day in the better place that she is in.

yellin April 1st, 2008

Dear Claudette..”don’t be afraid to fly, alone in the sky..when you do then, you’ll be free.” The world just lost a beautiful angel that heaven has gained. Elliott is a perfect reflection of a mother’s love, and my heart goes out to him, and the entire Yamin family. RIP Claudette, and may your spirit, your spunk, your sparkle, your humor, your kindness, and your genuine love for life live on forever through your children.

Stacy Smith April 1st, 2008

God Bless you and your mom and your family!
I know you made her proud! Stacy

Joan D April 1st, 2008

From your fellow Richmonders; Elliott we are so sorry for your lost. You are in our hearts forever!

kathryn April 1st, 2008

I never wanted Elliot to win but I know how happy his mom was.
My deepest sympathy to Elliot and his family.
RIP

Carol D April 1st, 2008

As a mother of a son I enjoyed watching her in the audience and understood how proud she was of her son. You could see the incredible joy in her face. My prayers go out to the family. May she rest in peace.

Ayzlin April 1st, 2008

I remember Elliot being really close 2 his mom. It must be really hard on him now, but I’m glad she got 2 witness his succes. Much love 2 you and your family Elliot! You should be really proud you had such a wonderful and supporting mom!

Amber April 1st, 2008

Elliot:

I know how much your mother meant to you from watching American Idol and through all the interviews in which you appeared. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for you and your family at this difficult time.

Rose April 1st, 2008

Dear Yamin, You and your love ones are in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss. My Dad just passed away on March 19, 2008 http://www.respectance.com/PeterJohnRosado/

I miss him so much, as I know you do your sweet MOM. I know she is a special woman as she is your Mom and you are special and have made her very proud. Much love and blessings on you, Rose

Frances Brooks April 1st, 2008

Elliott and his family are in my thoughts and prayers!

sandy April 2nd, 2008

I have been a fan of Elliot’s singing since I heard him the first time on Idol. I am a mom of a wonderful 14 year old son. We have a very close bond and I recognized that right away between Elliot and his mom. Their love, joy and mutual respect was so evident. She was so proud of her son and I pray he finds comfort in knowing that.

heather April 2nd, 2008

She was his biggest fan! My heart goes out to him!

bailey April 2nd, 2008

I love Elliott and his mom!! I got to met his mom and she was very kind and careing. She was actually the nicest person I ever met. My prayers are with the Yamin’s family.

Rest in Peace Ms.C. :]

Jaclyn April 2nd, 2008

My prayers are with him and his family

Bobbie-Jo April 2nd, 2008

Elliot, I remember your mother’s glory as she experienced your home town’s embrace of you on American Idol. If only all mother’s were so loving and proud…no matter what their children decide to experience in this world. You are a lucky man. Your mother was an angel on earth, now she is an angel in heaven.

God bless you!!!

Bobbie-Jo

shay April 2nd, 2008

god bless your family for the loose

wendy April 2nd, 2008

so sorry for your lost my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.may god bless you always.

Gloria April 2nd, 2008

Sweetheart, we have something in common: I’m 44 and I lost my mom when I was 29 & going thru a divorce. The sadness will always be there but I promise you it will ease up as years pass. When your in your darkest hour of sadness, talk to her and if your lucky like I was she will speak to you & comfort you. P.S. You were the winner of season 5!!! everyone knows it too. I wish you peace of mind in your time of solitude & god will be with you..

Patty April 2nd, 2008

I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Elliott’s mother. You could tell they loved each other very much. May their happy memories help Elliott and his family through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.

Betty April 2nd, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Elliott and his family at this time. She was a trooper…always there for Elliott. What a Mom she was.

Betty

Lola April 2nd, 2008

I always have admired Elliott’s talent and class but also his deep love for his mother. I hope he finds comfort knowing how proud she was of him and what a blessing it is that she lived long enough to see his success. I remember she battled ill health during his “season” and she certainly died too young — but then again, it’s always too soon to lose a loved one, no matter how old they are. Again…deep condolences to Elliott.

Sandra April 2nd, 2008

Elliot,
Keep on singing. Your Mother was so proud of you, and I’m sure she will be cheering you on from Heaven! God bless.

Jillian B April 2nd, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with he and his family at this time. I hope he knows that she is with God now and she is at peace and God will take care of her.

Someone You Know April 2nd, 2008

My prayers are with Elliott and his family during this difficult time.

kelly April 2nd, 2008

She was such a champion for Elliot during AI and I am sure all through his life. May she rest in peace and I am happy she got to see her son become a great artist.

Nancy April 2nd, 2008

Yamin,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Though not physically here, your mom is with you always in spirit. Take comfort in knowing that she walks with you always.

Sara April 2nd, 2008

God Bless you, Elliott. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. I too recently lost my mother and I know how heartbreaking it is. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Warren April 2nd, 2008

My heart and prayers are with him at this horrible time.

Jenny April 2nd, 2008

Elliott, I’m a big fan of yours. I know your mom was your biggest fan. May you be blessed at this time and know she’s watching over you and keeping you safe.
Your face would light up (during AI) when you would introduce her, or talk about her.
Keep singing…we love you.

Susan April 2nd, 2008

Rest in Peace Mama Yamin
My deepest condolences to Elliott and family.

Margaret April 2nd, 2008

This is such sad news. Elliott and Claudette had such a close bond that is so very rare. She will be missed by her family and also the fans that she reached out to. May she rest in peace.

Lauren April 2nd, 2008

What sad news. Being from Richmond we all attended his homecoming they taped for the show when he sang the National Anthem at a baseball game. Right before his performance, there was a parade down the streets of Richmond and his mom was riding in the car with him, just sobbing while watching all the people cheer for him and chant his name. I have never seen someone so proud, it was very touching. She will be missed.

Lu April 2nd, 2008

Claudette Yamin was an amazing lady and an inspiration to many, inluding me. Our loss is definitely Heaven’s gain. Condolences to the Yamin family.

Kathy April 2nd, 2008

What a wonderful lady she was - loving, supportive, & a great sense of humor! She will be missed. My prayers go out for the family - that they will be comforted today by God’s peace and presence. Rest in peace Claudette.

Leigh Ann Phelps April 2nd, 2008

Elliott you are in my heart and PRAYERS and i’m am heart broken

Frank April 2nd, 2008

Claudette,
I’ll miss our monthly phone conversations.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to take you and Lilly
and Gary to dinner.
Love, Frank

johanna April 3rd, 2008

Elliot
I know how difficult this moment is for you. But please don’t doubt for one second that she is looking over you and will be with you always. I could tell how much you loved each other. Mama Yamin was the most special American Idol contestan ever , she was so proud of you. I am happy she had time to see what a wonderful artist you became and what a wonderful human been you are. One day you will be again with her, telling her all the stories about all the songs are are still to come and how you made smile so many peope through your life.

Melissa April 3rd, 2008

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know you loved her dearly, and she you. She was a blessing to so many. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort.

Brooke April 4th, 2008

My dear elliott~ we love herre so much and your mother is in our prayers daily. Please keep your head up high and everything will be alright trust me.
la’breut (to bless)

R.I.P
Claudette Yamin (wonderful person)

Gina April 4th, 2008

I met Elliott when he performed in Detroit and asked “how is your momma?” “She’s good. Thanks for asking,” he answered. Elliott is a reflection of his mother - a truly kind-hearted soul. It was apparent that she loved ALL of her children - equally. Elliott just happens to be in the limelight and we were only able to witness the love that they had for each other. But if you are able to witness it with one child, then you know it is the same love for all the children. My heart goes out to the Yamin Family and Friends. May Claudette rest in peace and may she always live in your memories and hearts. Love. ~G

Taratova April 5th, 2008

Kind Elliott, May God and his love surround you with good memories of your sweet Mother Claudette. Your fans love you and many are so sad for you at this time. God Bless.

heidi April 5th, 2008

Elliott is an inspiration & his Mom was so proud of him on Idol…She got to see him achieve
so much…Blessings to Elliott & his family…

JoyzG April 5th, 2008

Elliot, Friends and Family: May you endure these days of loss and arrive at a place of peace and understanding. R.I.P. Claudette…

Karen April 7th, 2008

Elliott she’s in a world of peace and tranquility
she will always live in your heart and will always be with you in what ever you do.

Margie Murray April 9th, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to Elliott and his family. Its difficult losing your mother and I am hoping you will take some time off for yourself. May God be with you. margie

Maria April 9th, 2008

You know life has a crazy sense of humor at how it can balk or applaud us as individuals.During the loss of his biggest fan and confidant,I will keep Elliot in my prayers.Claudette was a person rich with the love for and from her son.When we look at Elliot we can only see how blessed he is with character and that comes solely from the love of a mother,his mother;Claudette.God bless and keep you!

marsha April 9th, 2008

The pride your mother had for you will last forever in your heart and thoughts…she was very supportive even though she had her problems. Always remember the good time and the love she had for you. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.

emsmythe April 10th, 2008

I remember how proud she was in the parade when her son was brought ‘home’ during the last fefw episoes of his season on AI. I am so glad she was allowed to see his eventual victory and success. I too add my prayers for the family as they grieve.

Connie April 13th, 2008

I am so saddened by Elliott’s loss of his mother. I too am very happy that she lived long enough to see him become so successful doing what he loved to do. My thoughts and prayers are with Elliott and his family during this most difficult time.

Theresa April 18th, 2008

Elliott I am soo sorry for your loss! I loved you and watching your mom cheer you on on Idol. Bless you.

Valjean May 15th, 2008

My thought and prayers go out to Elliot and family. He is just the nicest guy. His Mom was an amazing lady and was there for him every step of the way.

Janell Onley May 18th, 2008

ha ha dat what he get wit his ugly mama call me fool if u wanna see me yamin 7416072

Jody May 29th, 2008

Elliott know that you made your mom proud and that she passed knowing she had done her job on earth. She raised a caring and generous son, who is making a mark in the world. A mother couldn’t ask for more. My thoughts go out to you and your family.

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