RJ Mitte’s mom, Dyna Mitte, is opening up about why she chose not to speak at her son’s funeral.
“It’s hard enough to plan a funeral or a celebration of life — to know that you’re waking up without your son or daughter and will never see or hear them again,” Dyna shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Sunday, October 18. “I’m in a slightly different situation because I can watch his movies or listen to his speeches, but that in itself is overwhelming. To then stand up and share all of that with people was not something I felt prepared to do on that particular day.”
RJ’s funeral service was held on Friday, October 16, at the Mitte Center in Brownsville, Texas, following his death at age 34. RJ’s younger sister, Lacianne Carriere, had the opportunity to speak during the event.
“I also have a daughter who is devastated. We didn’t know whether she was going to speak, but she wanted to,” Dyna shared with the publication hours after the ceremony. “She had a difficult time throughout the service, so I needed to be there to support her.”
Carriere reportedly gave an emotional eulogy honoring her brother. In addition to detailing the strong bond she had with the Breaking Bad actor, she also brought up the subject of mental health in her speech. (RJ’s rep previously confirmed he died by suicide.)
“I want to say if anyone is struggling, please don’t feel like you’re alone. You’re never alone. And just try. Try to accept the help, try,” she said, per the Daily Mail. “Try your hardest. And just reach out to someone. RJ loved this city very much, and I love RJ very much. His legacy here is not going to be ending. We’ll continue on with all of his dreams that he had for this place just as he would want.”
When discussing the celebration of life service, Dyna explained her thought process in regards to who could share a few words at the podium.
“There were so many people who could have spoken that we could have been there for days or weeks. We tried to choose people who were close to RJ and had meaningful relationships with him,” she told THR. “I speak about my children every day and how wonderful they are, so I thought I would let other people share their memories of him.”
RJ’s family hopes the actor — who had cerebral palsy — will be remembered as a philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate.
They are also confident he was able to witness his emotional funeral service.
“I do believe RJ did see. I do believe that when we get to heaven, God rolls back the curtains and reveals some things,” Dyna shared. “I’m sure he rolled back those curtains, and RJ saw today exactly who was there, who honored him. … I do believe RJ was incredibly proud, and I’m sure that he was weeping and hearing all the wonderful things that were being shared about him. RJ would’ve been proud of each and every moment.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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