Fans comforted the actress as she opened up about the life-changing loss.

Annette O’TooleJack Rowland via Getty Images

Virgin River star Annette O’Toole revealed that she recently lost her mother in a meaningful new post, with the actress sharing a couple of rare photos of her mom.

On April 1, O’Toole’s 73rd birthday, she shared the tough message, saying, “Today is my first birthday without my mother. She died in January.” In the post, she shared an old-fashioned picture of her mother when she was young, as well as a more recent photo of her sitting in a chair and holding up a plant as she wore a small smile.

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O’Toole—who plays the character Hope McCrea in the Netflix drama—also revealed that she had a unique experience on her birthday that felt like a message from her mother, writing, “Today I did the Wordle and the word was one she always called me. I felt like she had just said ‘Happy Birthday Nette’ from beyond. I love you with all my heart, Mimmy.”

Fans shared condolences and support for O’Toole, with replies like, “I understand your pain. What a beautiful birthday message she send you!” and “It’s too hard to lose our mothers, but thank heavens for sweet memories!”

Others couldn’t help but comment on the resemblance between O’Toole and her mother, like one who said, “She was a true beauty…you favor her so much!” Another fan shared a similar comment, writing, “Wow you looked so much like her 😍 sending love ❤️ and a happy birthday.”