Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Mother, Brenda Jackson, Dies at 65: Reports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a file photo. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The mother of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. passed away at the age of 65, according to a report.

JR Motorsports announced the death of Brenda Jackson on its official website, saying she had been an employee with the racing team.

“Known for her wit, charisma and unparalleled ability to cut to the heart of any matter, Jackson became an instant favorite to her friends and colleagues at JR Motorsports when she joined the company as an accounting specialist in 2004,” said the company in a statement on April 22.

The statement noted that she was battling cancer.

Jackson was married to Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 1972 before having two children, including Dale Jr. and Kelly.

“I’m glad her suffering has ended and she can be at peace. She would be in tears of happiness over the words of support and remembrance she’s been shown today. Our family appreciates it as well. She will live in our hearts forever,” Dale Jr. wrote on Twitter.

Kelly, in a statement on Twitter, wrote that there is “no more suffering [and] no more pain.”

“Thank you to all that are offering your prayers, hugs & support,” she continued, according to PopCulture.com.

Fox Sports NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds also posted a touching message about Jackson.

“We all at [NASCAR on Fox and Fox Sports 1] send our thoughts & prayers out to [Dale Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt] and the entire Earnhardt Family in the loss of a Very Special Woman, Brenda Jackson, Your Mom!” McReynolds said via Twitter. “She is in a much better place now than we are!”

“I am a very, very lucky woman, as I get to interact with my kids almost every day,” she said in 2018, according to JR Motorsports.

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