"Mob Wives" star Angela "Big Ang" Raiola has passed away at the age of 55 after a long battle with stage IV lung and brain cancer, her friend Vinnie Medugo confirmed on her official Twitter account.
The star died in the early hours on Thursday. "She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family and closest friends. YOU, (her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely," he wrote.
Medugo revealed that Raiola's Twitter account will remain active "as a celebration of who she was and will always be."
"Big Ang" was diagnosed with throat cancer last year after doctors who examined her saw a tumor that was a size of a lemon.
After she thought she was given the all clear after two surgeries, Raiola was later diagnosed with stage IV lung and brain cancer, according to Us Magazine.
Hours before the announcement of her death, Raiola's team had to debunk rumors that she had died on Wednesday evening, according to TMZ.
This is @vinniemedugno on behalf of the family of Angela Raiola, please see below: pic.twitter.com/wiuPApr9Lw
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 18, 2016
