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Very sad news today out of the Little People, Big World universe:

Amy Roloff’s mother, Patricia, has passed away after a lengthy battle with unknown health concerns.

She as 86 years old.

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The veteran TLC personality never revealed exactly what was going on with her mother, but she returned to her native state of Michigan earlier this summer and mentioned in an Instagram caption that Patricia’s health was declining.

"My mom is hanging in there," wrote Amy on August 2, elaborating a bit as follows:

"She’s still able to get around a little – she’s determined and her mind is strong but her body is weak.

"Just try to take time to appreciate moments everyday before they slip away. Love to you all."

Understandably in a reflective mood at the time, Amy added:

Moments, no matter what goes on or happens in your life, good and bad, happy or unhappy, I think there is always room to gather… to love, have hope, know Joy, forgiveness, embrace, agree, disagree, love more… to make meaningful moments.

Because they matter, have value and purpose in our life.

I’m thankful I got to make more moments with my mom and dad to bank in my memory and Chris was w/ me.

Photo via Instagram

Chris, of course, is a reference to Chris Marek, who proposed to Amy just days before this tragic news about her mother.

"Guess what! I wanted to share with you- I’m engaged!" announced Amy on Instagram, adding last week:

"I was so surprised when Chris asked me to marry him. I said YES. I couldn’t be happier and so looking forward to this new part of our life journey together. I’m blessed.

"Love you Chris.. I love us."

Marek, for his part, popped this huge question on the couple’s three-year dating anniversary, telling People Magazine of what transpired:

“I was very nervous! It had to be a heart shaped diamond because I knew that’s what Amy wanted."

Photo via Instagram

Amy herself has not officially confirmed her mother’s death, but she just posted a picture of grandkids Ember and Jackson and wrote as a caption to it:

It’s been a tough week after hearing sad news. But these two – my grand kids Jackson and Ember – always make me smile and melt my heart. Simply, Love them so much.

#grandkids #imthankful #imblessed #amyroloffssecondact love being a grandma!

Patricia, who made several appearances on Little People, Big World over the years and is survived by her 90-year-old husband and three children: Katherine, Roger and Amy.

Photo via Instagram

We send our best wishes to Amy and her loved ones during this difficult time.

We’ll update fans with Patricia’s cause of death when it becomes available, but this what Amy wrote earlier this summer of her mom:

“Her heart is weak though and she gets tired easily but her mind is sharp.

"The transition of slowing down and not doing all she’d like to do will be hard. Just need to appreciate the moments, what she can do and the days that are left.”

Amen, Amy.

We’ll keep you in our thoughts.