‘Mob Wives’ Star Big Ang Dies At 55, Her Twitter Confirms: ‘She Was Called Home’

By ETOnline.com. 18 Feb 2016 7:51 AM

Angela Raiola, known as “Big Ang”;, died early Thursday morning after a long battle with cancer, her friend, Vinnie Medugno, confirmed on the Mob Wives star’s official Twitter account. She was 55.

“It is with sad regret that at 3:01 a.m., Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home,”; Medugno wrote on behalf of Big Ang’s family. “She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family and closest friends. YOU (her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely.”;

The message goes on to express gratitude for all the support the reality star received while ill. “Thank you for your love, prayers and unconditional support of Angela right up to the very end,”; Medugno wrote. “She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy and peace during this most difficult time.”;

This is @vinniemedugno on behalf of the family of Angela Raiola, please see below: pic.twitter.com/wiuPApr9Lw

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— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 18, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsPaying tribute to Raiola, her friend added, “In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say, “Love you my babies!'”;

WATCH: Mob Wives Star Big Ang Reveals She Left Her Husband Amid Cancer Battle

In December, ET confirmed that Raiola’s throat cancer had returned.

Several months earlier, in March 2015, a lemon-size tumor was discovered and removed from her throat. Later in June, she underwent the same procedure for the right side of her throat as well. She was later diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer.

PICS: Stars We’ve Lost in Recent Years

In February, Raiola’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help with her doctor fees, raising over $45,000 in two weeks.

Raiola also revealed on The Dr. Oz Show that she had left her husband, Neil Murphy, as she continued her cancer battle. “I felt like he never stepped up to the plate, so I was done with it,”; she said. “Now, it’s too late. I would rather be by myself. I would rather be alone.”;

Raiola also expressed gratitude for her children on the program, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, how would I get through this?”;

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I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time! -Big Ang Everything with you was exactly what those words embodied. You lived by your own mantra. I will love you, cherish you, and hold you in my heart wherever I go, and whatever I do. Thank you for being a major part of my life. You’ve taught and brought so much to me. Sleep peacefully, and kiss my grandmother. Goodbye my love! A photo posted by Vinnie Medugno (@vinniemedugno) on Feb 18, 2016 at 2:12am PST

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In another post to Instagram, Medugno reminded Big Ang fans of the TV star’s mantra: “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time!”;