Simon Cowell’s mum Julie passed away on Sunday at the age of 89, leaving the veteran music executive devastated.

“Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace,” a statement said.

A spokesman for the family further said: “We would like to thank the media for kindly respecting Julie’s privacy throughout and we politely request continued privacy for the entire family at this particularly difficult time.”

The sudden development has led to postponement of auditions for the new season of X-Factor, which was supposed to begin today and go on throughout the rest of the week throughout the United Kingdom.

Mrs Cowell was the mother of four boys – Nicholas, Simon, Tony and Michael, and step-mother to John and June.

May she rest in peace.