Rihanna has paid an emotional tribute to a fan who died on Christmas Day after losing her third battle with cancer.
Monia struck up a friendship with the Grammy award-winning singer and recently met her in London.
Rihanna announced the sad news on Thursday, branding her a “pillar of strength” as she posted a selfie with Monia.
Rihanna wrote: “This Christmas, we lost a beautiful spirit who was such a pillar of strength to us! Most of our friendship she’s spent in a hospital or doctor’s office! This picture was just a few months ago, she looked at me and said 'Rih the cancer is back' I’ll never forget the fear in her eyes this day!
“Still she pushed forward, fighting the fight everyday with the Navy behind her supporting her every step of the way! We are all heartbroken about this!!! You will never be forgotten! Love you my angel @moniasto fly in peace.”
The singer then shared a video of the pair meeting and embracing, captioning it: “Miss you already sis”.
Rihanna also posted two pictures of Monia on her Instagram story, drawing a halo on both.
Monia often shared screenshots of messages or likes from Rihanna, who offered support and kept up with her journey on social media.
One Instagram comment from Rhianna read: “Sis we are all praying for you! Your strength and your ability to let the beauty in your spirit shine through, even in the midst of adversity, is tremendously inspiring!!
“Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us! I imagine it's quite a lonely one, hours on end in hospital walls, being scared to even fall asleep because you're afraid u won't wake up, feeling like nobody will ever understand that, the physical agony, the medication and all their side effects...
"I can't begin to imagine what you feel, so I want you to know we are all here for you.”
