Channel 7 stars rally behind Better Homes And Gardens host Johanna Griggs after death of her ‘beautiful’ mother

Channel 7 stars have rallied behind their friend and colleague Johanna Griggs following the passing of her mother Leigh .

Longtime Better Homes And Gardens host and former champion swimmer Griggs shared the sad news on Sunday, remembering her mother as a “beautiful matriarch”, “fearless leader” and “guiding light”.

Griggs, who has hosted the popular Seven Network show for over two decades, has been showered with support as colleagues post heartfelt comments on her Instagram announcement.

“Much love Joh, to you and your family. Very sad to read but how proud she must have been,” 7NEWS presenter Michael Usher said.

“Love to you all Joh. Beautiful lady, beautiful words,” 7NEWS sports presenter Mel Mclaughlin added.

The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies also sent her “love” to Griggs’ family.

“These pictures you’ve shared show a remarkable woman, how wonderful. Sending all my love to you and your family sweetheart,” Home And Away star Georgie Parker said.

“Oh Joh I’m so sorry. Lots of love to you all. What a wonderful woman she must have been,” Sunrise co-host Nat Barr commented.

Leigh, a former teacher, instilled in her family a “we’ll take on the world” attitude, Griggs’ sister Emma Lo Russo told The Sydney Morning Herald in a 2010 profile.

“She was a total boss lady who would fight for all of us like a lioness if we needed protection,” Griggs wrote.

“She has shaped us all in ways that are hard to truly capture. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful woman to have been our mum.”

Griggs joined Channel 7 after announcing her retirement from swimming in 1993.

She has two grown-up sons, Jesse and Joe, and an eight-year-old grandson Jax.

The Better Homes And Gardens host shared many birthday tributes to her mother over the years, previously calling her a “wonderful mum, grandma and great grandma”.