Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster's family rocked by tragic death

family has been left devastated by the loss of a close relative. The singer's daughter-in-law Nicole Stewart announced last night that her older sister Christina had died at the age of 38,

Nicole -- took to social media to pay tribute to her sister. She shared: "My big sister gained her angel wings and I'm not sure how I'm meant to do life without her. She's been my absolute best friend my whole life.

"My protective big sis that always had my back. She made everyone feel seen, loved, safe. She was the glue that held us and so many together. Christina, I love you so much. You loved big. You nurtured. You protected. And family was absolutely everything to you."

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Nicole paid tribute to Christina - who lived in Los Angeles nearby her sister - in the lengthy post, where she added: "There wasn't a day she didn't check in with each and every one of us. Her daily FaceTime calls, 30 texts at once... I now can't imagine life without them.

"I love you Christina. Our Beans. I'm so thankful for you. I'm so proud of the mother you were and the boy you raised. We have Roko [Christina's son] now, thank you for giving us him. He shines your love."

- Rod's wife - was one of the first people to send a message of condolences. She wrote: "So heartbreaking. Sending all deepest condolences." Rod's first wife also posted a message, sharing: "I'm so very sorry. God bless you and your family. Sending you love and prayers." Rachel Hunter - Nicole's mother - posted: "My heart - for you and your family. Such a shock. She had Such an incredible energy she always brought into a space, a huge heart. My love to you all. Godspeed Sweet Angel."

Liam, Rod's son and an ice hockey player, wrote: "Beans…. my sister in law… you were one of my best friends, if not my best friend besides my wife. I love you and I miss you being around a hell of a lot already. take care of us up there."

Christina and Rod had met several times, most recently seen at Nicole and Liam's wedding last year. Paying tribute to his son and his new wife at the time, Rod had wrote a sweet message for the happy couple: "I'm immensely proud to have witnessed the beautiful wedding ceremony of my son Liam to his bride Nicole. What a wonderful union of The Stewarts and The Artukovichs. May they continue to find joy, love and laughter for as long as they may live."

Nicole and Liam recently welcomed their second child, a daughter called Elsie, which they named after Rod's mother.

Rod recently opened up about his own death, insisting he has "no fear" about dying. He said last year: "I'm aware my days are numbered but I've got no fear. We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket. I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can. I say few – probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy."

Just last year, Rod , who died around . In a tribute, he wrote: "Dearest Richard, farewell, my dear buddy. They say in life a man is lucky if he can count his true friends on one hand, and you were certainly one of them. Now I've lost you, and I'm devastated. We played and worked so closely together for so many years, creating some of the most memorable music together.

"You were there when Penny and I first started dating, encouraging our relationship. We are both in tears as I post this farewell." Fans also took to the comment section to share their support. One user said: "He was a Prince of a man, as are you, dear Rod… my condolences to you and Penny. With love, Bebe."

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