Photo: Eugene Gologursky/Getty for Lumiere De Vie Hommes
Market America co-founder J.R. Ridinger’s friends and peers are paying their respects.
On Tuesday, the marketing company wrote in a statement on Twitter that it was “deeply saddened” to share that Ridinger, 63, died suddenly.
“Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with JR have lost a friend, partner, and mentor. JR’s leadership, passion and energy were the sources of an enterprise that enables people to live a more fulfilled life and a life on their own terms,” the company wrote in a statement.
“JR leaves behind a company that only he could have created, and his entrepreneurial spirit will forever be the foundation of Market America,” Market America added in its statement. “JR always positioned and empowered his team to carry on into the future as he instilled belief in us and encouraged us to keep growing.”
Eugene Gologursky/Getty for Lumière de Vie
Ridinger’s wife, Loren Ridinger, wrote that her “heart has been ripped out” Wednesday in a statement posted toFacebookabout her husband’s death.
“While I am unable to speak and I am in shock — you should know I am broken — my heart has been ripped out,” Loren wrote, sharing a photo of her leaning her head on her late husband’s shoulder. “To clear the rumors that he fell as some news reports, my husband and I while on our first vacation in 3 years with Marc Ashley and Maria — had a sudden pulmonary embolism that stole him from us — In just a second — he was gone. A moment.”
Gustavo Caballero/Getty for Zuma
Market America confirmed to PEOPLE Thursday in an email that J.R. experienced a pulmonary embolism on a chartered yacht in Croatia that caused his death “suddenly & expectedly.”
Loren also shared a similar statement toInstagramalongside a photo of her and J.R. on their wedding day in which she honored their “33 years of love together on this earth.”
Ridinger founded Market America in 1992. He and Loren together brought the company private in 2001, according toCBS News.
On Wednesday,Kim Kardashian, a friend of the Ridingers, shared both photos Loren posted of J.R. to herInstagram Storiesand wrote that “memories were what other of you were the best at creating” in tribute to the late businessman.
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“Experiences for everyone, a place where everyone felt so loved and special,” Kardashian, 41, wrote. “The memories I will have with JR and you @lorenridinger will last a lifetime. My heart breaks for you and @amberridinger.”
“JR will be so missed. I will always be here for you guys. I love you so much,” Kardashian added, finalizing her post with a broken heart and dove emoji.
Kim Kardashian/Instagram
David Beckhamcalled the Ridingers a “beautiful kind generous couple” on hisInstagram StoriesWednesday, writing that “we are here for you” to Loren and offering condolences for J.R.’s death.
“Praying for you and the family love you ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽,” singerAshantiwrote in a comment on Loren’s post.
Serena Williams, who is currentlycompeting in her final US Open tournament, wrote in a comment that she is “shattered as well as for you and with you,” in response to Loren’s post.
“From the moment I met you ..you welcomed me in like family…you took care of me and my family in some of our most vulnerable moments in our lives,” Foxx, 54, wrote. “Your laughter lit up the room… And on stage you were magical… I just saw you a few days ago full of life full of love… every time I see you I would say your catchphrase Brain spanker! RIP @jrridinger ❤️❤️❤️”
source: people.com
