Jim CarreyPEOPLE can confirm that older sister Rita has died.

“It is with my heartache and deepest sadness that Rita passed away peacefully and quietly on November 14, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends,” Rita’s husband Alex said. he said. he wrote in a post on his Facebook account on Friday, November 15th.

He shared that the couple “had been together for 16 years” and “got married in an outdoor wedding in July last year, as they always wanted.”

“We traveled the world and met many people we considered friends. Rita was my best friend, my lover, and my beautiful wife,” he continued. “Rita always had a loving spirit and wanted to help even people she’d never met. While everyone knows that Christmas was Rita’s favorite holiday, it was actually every day for her and was a fundraiser to help a local charity started it.”

Accordingly his Facebook profileOne of Jim’s three siblings (who also include the actor’s older brother John Carrey and older sister Patricia Carrey), Rita had a career in music and other media. Peet & Reet Show.

They were born to Rita and her brothers and sisters, Kathleen and Percy Carrey, and grew up near Toronto in their native Canada.

In his post about Rita’s death, Alex wrote: “Family and Friends are invited to a candlelight vigil in Rita’s memory on December 7, 2024 at Heathcote Terrace in St. Catharines.”

“Following the vigil, everyone is encouraged to attend the Christmas on the Terrace public event in support of Christmas.” Gillian’s place“Donations in Rita’s memory can be made directly to Gillian’s home, or non-perishable food, children’s clothing, toiletries or unwrapped children’s gifts are encouraged during the event.”

He ended his tribute by paying tribute to the “wonderful and crazy journey with Rita” they had together for over fifteen years.

“She filled everyone’s hearts with joy every step of the way and I will never forget this beautiful and incredibly talented woman,” Alex wrote. “Goodbye, darling. Goodbye, my friend.”

“Until we meet again. You truly had the time of your life,” he added. “Your best friend and husband, Alex.”

A rep for Jim, 62, had no comment when reached by PEOPLE.