Bravo alum Fredrik Eklund, best known for his roles on Million Dollar Listing New York and Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, has shared the heartbreaking news that his mother, Jannike Wenke, has passed away.
Entertainment Now reported that Eklund announced his mother’s death in a December 19 Instagram post. The tribute featured a collection of photos capturing Wenke at different stages of her life, offering a deeply personal glimpse into their bond.
In the caption, Eklund revealed that his “mother passed away last night after a brave battle with cancer.”
“There are no words big enough to describe how deeply we loved her — so perhaps the pictures can speak where language fails,” he wrote. “When a mother dies, something inside us dies too. And yet perhaps something else is born: the memories, the gratitude, and a pain that will never leave.”
Eklund went on to describe Wenke as “a private but immensely strong woman — so intelligent, colorful, powerful.” He shared that she loved watercolor painting, reading, birds, and, above all, her children.
“The best mother my brother and I could ever have wished for,” he continued. “I think when you look into our eyes, you will always see her.”
The Swedish-born real estate star also shared that he spent the last three months traveling back and forth to Sweden so he could be close to her.
“We were lucky — so lucky — to be there in her final days, holding her,” Eklund added.
Several Fans Shared Their Support for Fredrik Eklund
An outpouring of love quickly filled the comments section of Eklund’s post, with fans offering heartfelt condolences and words of comfort.
“So sorry for your loss… you can see what a beautiful soul and spirit she had through these photos. She is with you always,” one follower wrote.
“What a beautiful tribute to your lovely mother — I’m so sorry for your loss,” another added.
One longtime viewer shared a personal memory from the show, writing, “Oh Fredrik, I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dearest mum. I was just watching reruns of MDLNY and saw the episode where you were in Sweden with her. You could see the love and pride she had for you. Sending you a million hugs from New Zealand.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, praising the tribute and honoring Wenke’s warmth and spirit. “What a wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing her beautiful photos with us. You can see the love and light in every one of them,” one fan commented.
“I’m glad she got to see all of your success and happiness, and her beautiful grandchildren. You’re an incredible son,” another shared.
Fredrik Eklund Explained Why He Was on ‘Million Dollar Listing New York’ & ‘Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles’
Eklund appeared in all nine seasons of Million Dollar Listing New York before stepping away in 2021. He also joined Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles for two seasons between 2020 and 2021.
In a May 2021 interview with GLAAD, Eklund explained why he chose to appear on both shows. Living between New York and Los Angeles, he said expanding his business on both coasts felt like a natural step.
“I moved to LA about two years ago, but I’ve always said I’m bi-coastal,” he explained. “I commute a lot. I feel like I’m the OG of New York — that’s my brand, my business. There are 50 people working for me there. But now that I’m in LA too, why not do both?”
The real estate broker’s tribute to his mother has since resonated deeply with fans, many of whom praised his openness, vulnerability, and the love he clearly shared with her.
