Jill Zarin Pays Tribute to Late Husband Bobby Zarin: "I Will Never Forget You"

Jill Zarin paid tribute to her late husband Bobby Zarin in a touching post on Instagram following the news of his passing on Saturday, January 13. 

The Real Housewives of New York City alum said goodbye to her husband, with whom she celebrated her 18th wedding anniversary on January 4, in the post, which also included several sweet photos of the couple through the years. "Rest In Peace my love. Words cannot express the hole in my heart. Bobby taught me what true and deep love is," Jill wrote. "Thank you my love for sharing your life with me.. for raising [Jill's daughter] Allyson as if she was your own, being an amazing father and grandfather and teaching me how to be a better person. You inspire those around you to be the best they can be. I will never forget you... your legacy lives on through your beautiful children and grandchildren."

Bobby passed away at age 71 after a battle with cancer. He was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009. Jill confirmed in November 2016 that Bobby's cancer had returned. He was hospitalized in July 2017 due to complications from his illness. "I will continue to raise money and awareness for ITOG (International Thyroid Oncology Group) so maybe this won’t happen to the next guy who draws the proverbial short straw," Jill also shared in her message. "I will continue to honor you and make you proud. You taught me so many lessons. I will turn the lights off when I leave a room and try not to lose my keys! Lists! Yes, I will make lists now that you can’t remind me." 

Jill ended her note by thanking all those who have given her and Bobby their love and support during this difficult time. "Thank you to all our friends, family and fans for the most incredible love you have shown our family. The messages bring tears to my eyes and will continue reading them all in the coming weeks," she wrote. "I will continue my tribute in the coming days and weeks and if you want to share anything please leave messages. Tomorrow is the funeral so I will sleep now. Love Jill." 

Bobby's funeral was held on Monday, January 15 at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York City. Jill captured the moments following Bobby's burial in her Instagram Story on Monday. "We were so happy to have so many of our friends and family come in honor of Bobby and the beautiful speeches. And I know he's shining. He's there. Yay, Bobby. He would've loved it," she shared. "Thank you for all the messages, guys. I'm reading it all later."

The Zarin family first shared the news of his passing on JillZarin.com on Saturday, January 13. "With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to share the news that our beloved Bobby Zarin passed away peacefully today surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer," the Zarin family said in a statement. "There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you, everyone, for all your love and support during this difficult time."

Jill's daughter and Bobby's stepdaughter, Ally Shapiro, also shared her favorite memories of Bobby on Instagram after his death. "We [heart] Bobby... thank you for giving me such a wonderful family and being the most incredible step-Dad anyone could ever ask for. I don’t remember a time without you, and you will not be forgotten," she wrote in a post, which also included many throwback pics of herself with Bobby. "Every shot of patron, every time we listen to Hotel California, every vroom of a Ferrari you will be right there with us. You fought with dignity and courage, surrounded by all of us with love and respect till the very end. You can rest In peace now, we love you so much."

See more of Jill and Bobby through the years, below.