Sad news for X-Factor judge Simon Cowell.

Our thoughts are with Simon Cowell and his family today.

Yesterday it was announced that Simon Cowell’s 89-year-old mother, Julie Brett, passed away. A spokesperson confirmed with the DailyMirror that the former dancer had died.

The Sun reported that Julie Brett died from a stroke, after a long health battle that she had kept private. She had recently been in a London hospital.

“Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was....We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace," The Cowell family said in a statement.

Simon's brother sent a beautiful tweet out saying, “Very sad night tonight. We will all miss Mum so very much. She was the heart and soul of our family x.”

Julie Brett had four sons, Nicholas, Tony, Michael and Simon. She was also a step-mum to John and June and was an extremely loved member of her family.

As a result of her death the weekend's first day of X Factor auditions in Manchester were cancelled.

It's been widely reported that Cowell and his family are deeply sad at this time, as we can only imagine. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

What kind words do you have for the Cowell family?