BREAKING: Millions are in tears as BBC icon Carol Kirkwood announces the tragic loss of her “soulmate” who stood by her through her darkest years—what was the heartbreaking final message she shared?

 

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A MIRACLE IN BLACK FUR COMES TO AN END: Carol Kirkwood’s Tearful Farewell to Her “Angel” Welly

“My darling Welly crossed the rainbow bridge today…” – These brief but heart-wrenching words from BBC weather icon Carol Kirkwood have moved millions of fans worldwide to tears. More than just a pet, Welly—the loyal black Labrador Retriever—had long been a symbol of pure love and resilience standing alongside the famous presenter.

The Journey from Rescue Center to a Million Hearts

This magical bond began in 2017 at a rescue center in Berkshire. At the time, Carol was navigating quiet personal challenges, and Welly arrived like a warm ray of sunshine.

A Special Name: Carol named him “Welly” because of his mischievous love for splashing in puddles after the rain—a poetic reflection of her own career in weather forecasting.

The Ultimate Soulmate: Welly didn’t just appear in beautiful Instagram posts for his 50,000 followers; he was the “emotional anchor” that helped Carol survive the lonely days of the pandemic lockdowns.

Behind the Glamour: A Love Without Conditions

To Carol, Welly was her “fur baby,” the companion who woke up with her at 3:30 AM every single day as she prepared for the morning news. The glossy black dog with soulful eyes followed Carol everywhere, from Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals to major charity events for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

In a segment on The Graham Norton Show, Carol once joked: “He’s better than any man I’ve dated.” Behind the laughter was a profound truth: Welly’s absolute loyalty was the one constant in her ever-changing life.

The Final Battle and a Destiny-Bound Goodbye

As Welly entered his senior years, Carol became his most devoted caregiver. She adjusted her grueling schedule, researched orthopedic treatments for aging dogs, and stayed constantly by his side.

The final photo Carol shared before Welly’s passing captured the two of them watching the sunset together—a moment of stillness full of premonition.

“He fought so bravely these last few weeks, but today, he left us to run free in the fields beyond. Thank you to everyone who’s loved him… Hug your pets extra tight tonight.”

This message triggered an immediate wave of empathy. Close colleagues like Naga Munchetty, Dan Walker, and dancer Pasha Kovalev sent their deepest condolences, affirming that Welly was truly a “star” who brought smiles to everyone at the BBC studios.

She says this was a particularly difficult time in her life, as despite losing the man she had been married to for 18 years, she had no option but to remain smiley on-screen as a BBC weatherwoman

A Legacy of Love: Finding Sunshine After the Rain

Though Welly is gone, his journey is far from over. Carol intends to channel her grief into positive action by continuing to support animal charities and encouraging others to adopt from rescue shelters.

The story of Carol and Welly is a gentle yet powerful reminder of the value of our four-legged friends. In a fast-paced world, Welly taught us how to slow down, how to stay loyal, and how to love without calculation.

While Carol’s sky may look grey with loss today, just as she often predicts with the weather: after the rain, the sun will return. The shadow of the “Wonder Dog” Welly will forever remain an inspiration, warming her heart and the hearts of millions of viewers around the globe.