Rob Brough Faces Heartbreaking Family Tragedy

The daughter of veteran Seven News broadcaster Rob Brough has died following a heartbreaking battle with aggressive .

Jess Willmott, a mother of three, died on Thursday – just one month after she had been given the all-clear from breast cancer, only to be struck down by an aggressive brain tumour.

Her death comes after her famous father, 71, made the emotional decision to step away from his long-running on-air role in regional Queensland

Jess' husband Tammen confirmed the tragic news on a GoFundMe page set up to support the family, as he became her full-time carer.

'Jess was deeply loved – as a wife, a mother, a friend, and an extraordinary human,' he wrote.

'The space she leaves behind is immeasurable, and our family is navigating a loss that words cannot fully capture.'

He described her as 'strong, courageous and truly resilient' and thanked the community who rallied around them during her illness. 

'We want to thank every single person who has supported us, prayed for us, donated, and stood beside us throughout this journey. Your kindness has carried us more than you could ever know.'

Brough, who has been a familiar face on Australian television since the 1970s,

At the time, he revealed he had taken extended leave to care for Jess and help raise her three young children on the Sunshine Coast.

Speaking to the ABC in 2025, Brough explained his decision to walk away from the newsroom.

'About four years ago our daughter Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was pretty confronting,' he told ABC Sunshine Coast radio in September.

'We got to a tough stage where things weren't working and not a lot of options were available,' he explained.

'It was just an easy choice for me to leave work and spend as much time as I could around her and her family.'