Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has shared a heartbreaking tribute following the death of his close friend and long-time colleague, Jen Tunney.
A Partnership Forged Before Blogs Existed
The rock legend, 78, announced on Instagram that Tunney, his web manager for decades, passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by her family. Sharing a photograph of the pair, May wrote a lengthy and emotional post honouring her life and work.
He revealed that their professional relationship began long before the term 'blog' was common and prior to the rise of social media platforms like Instagram. Together, they created 'Brian's Soapbox', a platform on his official website where May shared his views on various topics.
"Jen and I formed a relationship in the days before the word 'Blog' had a meaning," May wrote. He described the Soapbox as a "virtual platform to broadcast what I felt it was important for people to know."
The 'Indomitable Web Lady' Who Changed His Life
Paying tribute to her dedication, May stated that Jen Tunney "almost single-handedly" ran the Soapbox project for years. He credited her with fundamentally changing how he interacted with the world.
"Jen was my channel - my means of connection - and actually changed my life," he expressed. "She evolved me from a person who just got on with his jobs to a person who listened to his 'fans' and followers." This shift enabled a two-way exchange of ideas and feelings that he deeply valued.
May praised Tunney for preferring to stay out of the limelight, while "quietly, meticulously and faithfully" documenting and archiving his public life for future reference. He noted that despite health struggles in recent months, she remained loyal and diligent in her work until the end.
An Outpouring of Support and Shared Grief
In his closing words, May directed his condolences to Jen's husband, Frank, whom he called her "Rock", and the rest of her family. His poignant sign-off captured the depth of his loss: "We will miss you badly, and life will never be quite the same again."
The post prompted an immediate flood of supportive comments from fans and followers. One person recalled Tunney's kindness, writing: "Jen kindly replied to my inquiry on the website years ago, and her kindness still stays in my heart to this day."
Others offered their sympathies, with one fan responding: "So sorry for your loss, dear Bri. Jen was an extraordinary lady. Always so kind and supportive." Another simply stated: "Beautiful words for a beautiful person."
The bond between the rock star and his behind-the-scenes collaborator, which shaped May's public voice for a generation, has left a profound void marked by public grief and private remembrance.
