6 Year Old TikTok Star Joules Smith Passes Away in Her Parents Bed Weeks After Her Last Video

Six-year-old Joules Smith was more than just a little girl; she was a ray of light, a dancing queen, and a source of joy for millions. Her father, Joe Smith, shared the devastating news in a TikTok video on December 9, 2024, his voice heavy with sorrow as he described her final moments. Joules passed away in the early hours of the morning, cradled in the arms of her parents, Joe and Elisha, as they whispered words of love and comfort.

The world of the Smith family had been turned upside down earlier this year. Joules’ infectious laughter and her love for dancing had made her an online sensation, capturing the hearts of strangers who felt like they knew her. But beneath the surface of their vibrant TikTok videos lay a painful reality—a reality that would soon steal their beloved daughter away.

Joe and Elisha had taken a break from social media in recent months, dedicating every precious second to Joules as they braced for the unthinkable. They never left her side, ensuring she was surrounded by love in her final days. Then, on a quiet December morning, the world fell silent, and Joules was gone.

Earlier this year, Joules had been diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an incurable and aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects children. The diagnosis had given her only nine months to live. Despite the crushing news, her parents made a promise to themselves and to their little girl: they would make every single day count.

Joe first shared the heartbreaking diagnosis with his TikTok followers in May, detailing how their lives had been irreversibly changed. They noticed a few odd behaviors in Joules, leading them to take her to the hospital. After initial scans, doctors found a mass on her brain and referred them to specialists at King’s College Hospital in London, where the devastating truth was revealed.

Joe and Elisha learned that the tumor was inoperable and terminal. Their world collapsed. “She will start to deteriorate,” Joe had tearfully told his followers, “and we’ve got to sit back and watch our beautiful, funny little girl fade away.”

Joe vowed to spend every moment with his daughter, ensuring she lived her remaining days with joy and laughter. Joules, always the optimist, became a beacon of resilience, inspiring her parents and millions of strangers who followed her journey online. Her videos showcased her love for dancing, earning her the nickname “dancing queen” and sparking a viral movement called “Dancing for Joules,” where fans shared their own dance videos to raise awareness about childhood cancer.

A family friend, Kirk Norcross, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Smith family, raising over $120,000 to help them focus entirely on Joules. “Their lives are on hold as they prioritize making her remaining time as beautiful as possible,” Kirk wrote on the fundraiser page. Joe later expressed his gratitude, saying, “We couldn’t have done it without your love and support.”

In October, Joe prepared his followers for the inevitable, sharing that medical professionals had warned them Joules didn’t have much time left. “They’ve given us the possibility of weeks,” he said. “We’ve managed to give her the best five, six months she’s ever had. Unfortunately, our journey is going to come to an end.”

Despite their grief, Joe and Elisha focused on creating memories, ensuring Joules’ life was filled with joy even in her darkest days. They thanked everyone who supported them, from healthcare professionals who cared for their daughter to the millions of strangers who danced in her honor.

When Joules passed away, Joe shared a heart-wrenching TikTok video announcing the news. “Our beautiful little dancing queen passed away,” he said, his voice breaking. “We love you, our little dancing queen.” The family finds comfort in knowing Joules’ infectious spirit brought smiles to millions and raised awareness about childhood terminal illnesses.

Joules’ mother, Elisha, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of her daughter and writing, “We are so proud of you, princess. You made this world a better place… we are absolutely heartbroken.”

The Smith family has invited everyone to Joules’ memorial service, scheduled for December 27 at The Garden of Eden Crematorium in Kent, England. Joe said they wanted to give their daughter the “biggest and best send-off” to honor the bravest, kindest, and most beautiful little girl they’ve ever known.

Joe has vowed to continue the “Dancing for Joules” trend, encouraging others to dance in her memory. “She would want us to keep dancing,” he said. “And I’ll make sure we do—because that’s what my little girl would have done.”