My family is very proud, and it’s mind boggling to me. I guess it’s not my image, but one of the biggest thrills for me is flying my mom to a concert date and then taking her sightseeing afterwards. I did that when I played in San Francisco, and we had a great time. My mom is one of my biggest fans. She stands and cheers and screams at my concerts.
My parents’ only objection to me playing in a rock-and-roll band was the question of me surviving. You know, this business can chew you up and spit you out. It happens every day, especially to girls. But I’ve always wanted to play the guitar and sing, so they let me. They always stood by me no matter what, and that’s what has kept me going during the rough times.
I may look hard and tough, but deep down, I’m not really. If I didn’t have the love and support of my parents…well, I don’t know if I could handle it.
–Joan Jett, from Joan Jett, by Todd Oldham, on Ammo Books.
On Friday night, Joan Jett took the stage in Vancouver and delivered the sad news that her mother had passed away the day before, on August 26th. Joan dedicated the show to her.
Joan has said that she wouldn’t be who she is without her mother, and in a sense, we wouldn’t be either. Her confidence, her swagger, her willingness to jump with both feet into the unknown and succeed there–Joan got that, at least in part, from her mother. But me? My entire sense of self, knowing that it’s OK to be weird, and learning how to love myself when no one understands me–I got all of that from Joan. I have never met Joan’s mother, and I don’t even really know her name, but I love her anyway. And I will always be grateful for what she has given us.
Joan, my heart goes out to you, your whole family, and everyone that has ever been touched by your mother. I wish you all peace. And please know that the Jettheads are your extended family, and we love you very much.
Born to be Jetthead 
My heart goes out to Joan. Without her influence I also would not be who I am today. I lost my mother last year I know the pain she is feeling today and I am with her in heart and spirit! Love you Joanie!
Hear,hear! Noone could have said it better!I never met Joans mother but i feel a deep sense of loss just the same.She gave all of us our beloved Joanie,and for that noone can ever thank her enough.I agree,Joan is who she is because of her mother and in a sense WE are who we are because of her as well.We love you,Joan,and all our hearts are with you and your family.
My condolences to Joan and her family.
Aw, man, it sucks to lose a parent. My thoughts are with you Joan!!!
Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounded like a wonderful woman. My condolences out to your family. I love you Joan! God Bless.
I have been rocking with Joan since I was 13.Now a grown woman I am grieving with her.Its ok not to be tough all the time.Love you Joan and I will rock with you always..
I am so sorry Joan …. I lost mine in 2004 … she was my all as well….. ❤
And my mom was Aug 28th 2004 … you had once signed an autograph for my mother saying “don’t surrender” they both had the same names and my mom was a huge fan and she helped me not feel lost or weird .. too… My heart goes out to you …. I am so sorry,,,,
Oh man Joan, cant believe this had happened to you, I am so sorry for your loss, you been ROCKIN ROLLIN for years, wish i know ,since the RUNAWAYS, been with ya ever since, you always been at the top of the world with me, i support you in many things, and now i am here to support you with your loss, I know she is a wonderful person, cuz hey,, look at you, you are great and took hard and long , blood sweat and tears to get out there and prove WOMEN know how to ROCK. I am now wiping tears, cuz i feel for ya, i know whats it like, but JOAN stay strong, you will never be alone, you got you fans from left to right, WE ALL LOVE YOU,
Janet
That post is really sweet.
Don’t worry Joan,I know that your mom is really proud of you,ok?
Mamma Jett, Rest in Peace.
WOW… I didn’t even know til now that Joan’s mother passed. I know what it is like to lose your mom. My mom passed when I was just 49 (2005). I Miss Her More Everyday. Joan, You, James and Anne are in my prayers, I Love You. Take Care Norah
RIP Mrs Jett Larkin
so sorry my mom died august 8
28th both named dorothy i met her mom what a sweet lady
Joan, I just listened to the lyrics of your song “Hard To Grow Up” and you mentioned in the song about what happened to your mom. I just want to say that I’m sorry for your loss. We (your fans) will be there for you every step of the way. We all love and support you!