If you happen to know anything about Donnie Wahlberg (aside from the fact that he's an original New Kids on the Block member who's also a cheeseburger connoisseur), it's likely this: He had a wonderful relationship with his mom. Alma Wahlberg was 78 when she lost her battle with dementia, and it's been very hard on Donnie and his brothers. Alma was also a reality show star and was featured prominently on the show Wahlburgers.
"I'm so blessed to have been brought into this world by, raised by, taught by and set on my life's path by, such an amazing woman," Donnie said on Instagram. "My mom Alma's joy for life, love and people — combined with a pride in her humble beginnings and refusal to forget where she came from — undoubtedly shaped me into the man that I am."
For the first time, Donnie chose to talk about the loss while on air with Entertainment Tonight. There he shared even more wonderfully sweet words about his mom.
"I've been laying low," Donnie admits. He made sure to mention the Entertainment Tonight tribute to Alma after word of her death, in which host Kevin Frazier used the phrase, "You did good, Alma."
For Donnie, that moment was extra special to witness, as it was also the last words he said to this mother. And supposedly, Alma was a big fan of the broadcast, making the ode even more personal.
"That's all she wanted to know that she did in life," Donnie said. "That she raised good kids and did a good job as a mom."
Alma was a wife and mother of nine. Her children were her true pride and joy.
"I wanted to give them the love that I always thought I wanted and never got. I wanted them to know I'm always there. Always, always," she once told Today.
"I may not like what you're telling me, but I'm there for you and that's it. That's how they all are now. They're there for me."
Watch the video to see even more sweet videos and photos of Alma.
