Ruby Rose was back on her home turf for GQ Australia‘s Men of the Year Awards last night, taking home the Woman of the Year title with a heartwarming speech so raw, honest and heartbreaking that the actress was in tears saying it.
After expressing how lucky she feels to be able to be her true self and be celebrated for it, Ruby took a moment to acknowledge those who have supported her along the way, including her friend Courtney. “I had to lie and tell her it wasn’t a black tie event or she wouldn’t come and I want to give this award to her,” Ruby explained.
“Her mum recently passed away of brain cancer, and for a year she was in the same hospital bed and Courtney was by her side, and that to me is a strong woman. Never did she say, ‘Why me?’ Never did she complain. And, literally, she was my rock throughout this past year and I just want to say to Kerri and to Courtney, thanks,” she continued.
A photo posted by Courtney Africa (@courtneyafrica) on
Courtney revealed that Ruby shared some more heartfelt words with her at the after-party. “She said, ‘You have so many memories of your mum before she passed and a lot of them were ill memories, now you have something really positive and uplifting to remember her by now that she has gone. This award is for her, for you and this night will always remind you of that’.”
For anyone who’s ever looked after a loved one as they slowly declined, you’ll know how special and meaningful those words are.
