Renowned lifestyle maven Martha Stewart is facing a somber moment as she bids farewell to her cherished companion, Empress Tang, a nearly 15-year-old calico Persian cat. Stewart, aged 82, took to Instagram on April 8 to share the news of Empress Tang’s passing due to natural causes. Fondly recalling her beloved feline, Stewart commemorated Empress Tang’s contributions to her life, acknowledging her as an “awesome cat” who lived and thrived alongside her. The late Empress Tang had gained recognition beyond the confines of Stewart’s home, featuring prominently in advertisements for the PrettyLitter brand and gracing the pages of Martha Stewart Living magazine.
Empress Tang, along with her late sister, Princess Peony, entered Stewart’s life in May 2009, joining her household at the tender age of four months. However, tragedy struck previously when Princess Peony met an untimely end, mistakenly targeted by Stewart’s four dogs, as shared by Stewart in a poignant Instagram post from two years prior. Despite the heartache of Princess Peony’s passing, Stewart has continued to express her deep affection for her feline companions, emphasizing the comfort and joy they bring, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with TODAY.com in March 2021, Stewart underscored the significance of pets in people’s lives, noting the surge in demand for animal companionship during the pandemic. Describing Empress Tang and Princess Peony as “gorgeous” and “very special,” Stewart also offered insights into her other feline companion, Blackie, who holds court in her greenhouse. While Empress Tang and Princess Peony may not have shared Blackie’s penchant for hunting, Stewart humorously recounted Blackie’s daily exploits as a skilled predator, regaling in his ability to keep the premises free of unwanted critters.
As Martha Stewart navigates this moment of loss, her enduring affection for her feline companions serves as a testament to the profound bond between humans and their animal counterparts.
