Lady Gaga pays tribute to best friend as she loses five-year cancer battle

Stephanie Soteriou

Lady Gaga has taken to social media to pay touching tribute to her close friend and former assistant, Sonja Durham, who tragically lost her five-year battle with cancer this week.

The star had previously dedicated her Coachella set to Sonja, who was first diagnosed with the disease back in 2012.

Sonja used to be Gaga’s assistant.
Sonja used to be Gaga’s assistant.

Taking to Instagram earlier this week, Gaga shared a photo of Sonja and wrote: “Watching one of my best friends in the world show unfathomable courage, strength, and positivity while battling cancer has really changed my life.

“Thank you Sonja for inspiring me and all of us everyday with your joy. I love you so much it brings tears to my eyes just to think of all the years we’ve spent together backstage running the show, taking care of each other.

“You are one of a kind. I’m so proud of you.”

Lady Gaga shared this photo of Sonja with her husband, Andrew.
Lady Gaga shared this photo of Sonja with her husband, Andrew.

Speaking about Sonja’s husband, Andrew Dubois, the singer continued: “And you and Andre, your unbreakable beautiful love is what life is all about. You can see it in this photo.

“Wanted to share this with the world and show them what true beauty looks like. #grigiogirls #sonjadurham @sonjad7777 I love you girl. I love you so much. [sic]”

Earlier this morning, Gaga took to Instagram again to share a photo of herself with Sonja but did not write a caption.

Gaga also shared this sweet snap.
Gaga also shared this sweet snap.

During her Coachella set, the star revealed that Sonja was the inspiration behind her track Grigio Girl, telling her fans: “We were writing it because we were laying around one night and all the girls had gotten together, but Sonja wasn’t there.

“Because sometimes we needed to get together without her, because we didn’t want her to see us cry.

The star dedicated her Coachella set to Sonja earlier this year.
The star dedicated her Coachella set to Sonja earlier this year.

“So we formed this pact with each other that, when we needed to, we’d call together the Grigio Girls and cry it out. So this one’s for you.”

Gaga and Andrew have been inundated with support from the 31-year-old singer’s fans since the news of Sonja’s death broke.

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