Brian May has shared devastating news with fans, revealing close friend and longtime collaborator Jen Tunney has died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.
The Queen guitarist, 78, announced the loss in a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram alongside a photograph of the pair together.
The post read in part: "JEN TUNNEY RIP (sic)
“Many of you already know we just lost our dear friend and my indomitable Web Lady for half a lifetime — Jen Tunney. She passed away peacefully yesterday with her family all around her.”
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Brian May paid tribute to his long-time friend, Jen
| PAMr May, who co-founded Queen in 1970 alongside the late Mr Freddie Mercury and Mr Roger Taylor, credited Ms Tunney with managing his online presence for decades through the BrianMay.com website and the long-running ‘Brian’s Soapbox’ feature.
He reflected on how their working relationship began long before blogging became commonplace and years before social media platforms such as Instagram existed.
Mr May's tribute continued: “Together we created Brian’s Soapbox, the name being a defence to me standing on a virtual platform to broadcast what I felt it was important for people to know.
“Through the years, Jen almost single-handedly ran the Soapbox on the BrianMay.com website, a project she had started even before we knew each other.”
Brian May
| PAMr May said her work transformed his relationship with fans, helping him evolve from a performer focused solely on his craft into someone who actively listened and engaged with his audience.
He continued: “Jen was my channel, my means of connection, and actually changed my life.
“She evolved me from a person who just got on with his jobs to a person who listened to his fans and followers and actually engaged in a two-way exchange of views, feelings and information.”
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Despite her central role, Ms Tunney deliberately stayed out of the public eye.
Mr May noted she was “never a visible presence”, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes while meticulously documenting and archiving his public life.
He revealed that Ms Tunney had been battling health issues in recent months, but remained devoted to her work until the end.
“Loyal and meticulous to the end,” he wrote.
The guitarist expressed deep gratitude for her decades of dedication.
“Dear Jen — I owe you a million thanks, a million more than I was ever able to give you in person.
“We will miss you badly, and life will never be quite the same again.”
Mr May concluded by offering condolences to Ms Tunney’s family.
Mr May is best known for performing as part of Queen
|GETTY
He wrote: “Deepest condolences to Jen’s husband — her Rock — Frank, and to their lovely family. Rest in peace, Jen."
Fans responded in large numbers, sharing messages of sympathy and personal memories of Ms Tunney.
“So sorry for your loss, dear Bri,” one supporter wrote, while another added: "Jen was an extraordinary lady, always so kind and supportive. We will miss her.”
Another penned: “Beautiful words for a beautiful person. So sorry for your loss.”
Others recalled direct interactions with Ms Tunney that had left a lasting impression.
“Jen kindly replied to my inquiry on the website years ago, and her kindness still stays in my heart,” one follower said.
“Thinking of you and your family. Rest in peace, Jen," said another.