Kerry Katona has opened up about her struggles with “massive anxiety” that prevented her from attending boxer Ricky Hatton’s funeral. Ricky, a close friend of Kerry, passed away on September 14, 2024, with prominent figures like Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher, Tony Bellew, and others gathering to pay their respects earlier in the month.

In a column for New! Magazine, Kerry, aged 45, shared her difficulty with funerals, expressing her stress and anxiety leading up to the service. Despite intending to go, she found the large crowd overwhelming and ultimately decided not to enter the venue. Instead, she bid farewell to Ricky in her own way, acknowledging his impact and the void his loss has left.

Kerry, who had a strong friendship with Ricky and collaborated with him on Supreme CBD promotions, described her sadness at his passing, emphasizing the regret she felt over missed opportunities to meet him prior to his death.

Ricky’s funeral took place on October 12 at Manchester Cathedral, where his cortege passed by spectators at the Etihad Stadium, a tribute to his love for his football team. Kerry, who had also missed attending The Vivienne’s funeral earlier in the year, reflected on the sorrow of losing loved ones and the impact it has had on her.

Kerry’s heartfelt sentiments and reflections on her experiences with funerals underscore the profound impact of loss and the importance of finding personal ways to grieve and remember those who have passed.