Jeff Bezos' mother Jackie dies just weeks after billionaire's lavish wedding

Jackie Bezos, the mother of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has died at the age of 78 on Thursday just weeks after her son tied the knot in a lavish European wedding.

The Bezos Family Foundation confirmed Jackie's death on Thursday, revealing she passed away peacefully at her Miami residence.

The Foundation did not disclose a cause of death but noted that the 78 year old had been battling Lewy Body Dementia since her 2020 diagnosis.

The Foundation's statement also praised her healthcare team who supported her during her illness, as well as her husband Mike, who remained devoted throughout - describing "A quiet final chapter to a life that taught all of us, friends and family alike, the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness and service to others".

The tragic news follows just weeks after Bezos wed Lauren Sanchez in an opulent three-day wedding extravaganza in Venice, Italy, reports The Mirror US.

Scores of private aircraft had descended upon Venice's airport, whilst luxury yachts sailed into the city's renowned waterways.

Sports stars, A-listers, influencers and business moguls gathered to celebrate in spectacular fashion that showcased both the couple's romance and their immense fortune. Venice is renowned for its intricate network of canals, where gondoliers serenade romantic couples and even ambulances navigate the waterways.

However, transporting everything from floral arrangements to guests by water makes Venice amongst the globe's most demanding cities for hosting celebrations, according to Jack Ezon, CEO of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel advisory and destination event service.

"It's a very tight-knit community; everyone there knows everyone, and you need to work with the right people," said Ezon, whose firm has organised a dozen upmarket events in Venice.

"There's very tight control, especially on movement there with boats."

This at least trebles the expense compared to staging the same celebration in Rome or Florence, he explained.

Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia was first to provide an estimated figure for the Bezos/Sanchez celebration: He told reporters the most recent total he witnessed was between 40 million and 48 million euros (up to $56 million).

Jeff and Lauren made one request at the beginning of the invitation: "Please, no gifts."

Rather, they made a generous gesture, pledging donations in honour of each guest to three beloved Venetian charities focused on preserving the city's centuries-old charm.

The remainder of their wedding invitation read: "Instead, we're making contributions in your honor and with gratitude to you for making the journey to celebrate with us in Venice.