80s Icon Debbie Gibson recently shared this post on her Facebook page in a moving tribute to her Mother:
We covered a lot of ground me and this FABULOUS Lady 
Her legacy and greatest joy was her 4 girls and her Grandchildren and extended family. Karen, Michele, and Denise … she was always so proud of each of you and raised us all to be our unique and authentic selves.
As I continue to hear more and more stories about young girls in the music biz being preyed on in unimaginable ways, it becomes more and more incredible to me that nobody ever laid a hand on me. I witnessed her literally throw her body in front of me on several occasions. And, though that did not always make her popular, as every great Mother knows …. the goal is not to be popular. It is to protect your young and help them thrive.
To now be a happy and whole adult is something I owe to my Mother who we lost one year ago today. I say “lost” but, that is in body only. Spiritually she has been presiding over all of us this year because I have nothing else to attribute my super human stamina to.
Docs just 4 years ago had me with a pic line and in a wheel chair. I knew that wasn’t my journey. I stopped at nothing to find answers. After all… I am my Mother’s daughter.
But… for real… this year has been the most extraordinary in terms of bringing the music to the people. That was Diane and my shared vision and mission in life and we carry on in her name.
CHEERS to you Mama 
Please raise a Vodka Gimlet to Diane tonite and I send all of your loved ones “Never gone Travelling on to their new frontiers…” and all of you a big hug and a big CHEERS !
PS – I can’t wait to play Diane in our life story. It’s coming … 
Also a big hug and sending love to Aunt Linda and Uncle Carl who have been holding us all close and carrying the parental torch in her honour. And I’m so grateful to have Daddy Joe here still … together , Diane and Joe really gave us a fun and fulfilling childhood.
Many of you thought that I posted a week and a half ago that it was the anniversary but that was her actual birthday. She would have been 77
