Andy Cohen Shares Touching Tribute in Honor of BFF Anderson Cooper’s Late Mom Gloria Vanderbilt

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper isn’t the only one who misses his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, who recently died from a very advanced form of stomach cancer at the age of 95. As soon as his best friend, Andy Cohen, found out the troubling news, he immediately paid tribute to Gloria on social media.

“Gloria Vanderbilt was an amazing woman who lived a life filled with incredible peaks and impossible obstacles,” Andy, 51, shared via Instagram on Monday, June 17. “Through it all she remained eternally optimistic with a wicked sense of humor. In fact, Anderson’s iconic and infectious giggle comes from his mom. Sending Anderson all my love, and may she Rest In Peace.”

Andy shared his statement on social media soon after the famed TV journalist paid tribute to his mother in an on-air eulogy. “Gloria Vanderbilt was an extraordinary woman who loved life and lived it on her own terms. She was a painter, a writer, a designer — but also a remarkable mother, wife and friend,” he began. “She was 95 years old, but ask anyone close to her and they’d tell you she was the youngest person they knew, the coolest and most modern.”

Anderson, 52, admitted his mother didn’t die alone. She was surrounded by close friends and family members at the time of her passing. “I always thought of her as a visitor from another world, a traveler stranded here who’d come from a distant star that burned out long ago. I always felt it my job to protect her,” Anderson shared.

Gloria is survived by Anderson and his two older brothers — Leopold, 68, and Christopher, 67. Her second youngest son, Carter, took his life at age 23 in July 1988 when he jumped to his death from his mom’s NYC apartment.

We’re so sorry for both of your losses, Anderson. We’re so glad you have friends like Andy to be there by your side during this difficult time.