Mob Wives Star 'Big Ang' Dies at 55

The Mob Wives star known as "Big Ang" succumbed to stage 4 cancer early Thursday. Angela Raiola, 55, died at 3:10am EST in a NYC hospital, her rep said in a statement, per TMZ, which notes it confirmed her death with family. On her Twitter page, a friend posted: "It is with sad regret that we inform you … Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends."

Raiola, a niece of Genovese crime family captain Salvatore Lombardi, had been diagnosed nearly a year ago with throat cancer, which spread to her brain and lungs, per People. Raiola's rep noted that her fans "were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end." She's survived by two children and six grandchildren; funeral arrangements are pending, per the AP. (More obituary stories.)