The Barretto Family Says Farewell To Beloved Matriarch Inday Barretto
Published on Jan 30, 2026
The Barretto family is grieving the loss of their beloved mother, Estrella "Inday" Barretto, who passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 89. Her son, Joaquin "JJ" Barretto, confirmed the news on Facebook.
Inday had faced health challenges in recent years, including a lupus diagnosis, as revealed by her daughter Claudine Barretto in September 2024. In addition to lupus, Inday experienced a fall in March 2024, leading to hospitalization. She continued to have intermittent stays at St Luke's Medical Center in BGC throughout 2025 and early 2026, with JJ providing updates on her condition via social media. On January 27, 2026, he shared that Inday had been transferred to the intensive care unit.
Though the family has not publicly disclosed the official cause of her passing, her long battle with health issues had been apparent to those following her children's updates. Inday was married to Miguel Barretto, who passed away in 2019, and together they had seven children: the late Mito, Michelle, JJ, Gia, Gretchen Barretto, Marjorie Barretto, and Claudine.
The Barretto Family Shares Their Tributes To Inday
Claudine, who shared a particularly close bond with her mother, posted short Instagram reels capturing what appeared to be her final moments with Inday at the hospital. In the clips, Claudine is seen sitting beside her mother's hospital bed, holding her hand, and speaking to her. "Oh Mom 💔 Estrella Castelo Barretto january 29,2026," she captioned one video. In another, she reassured her mom, writing: "Mommy We're gonna be okay 👍 i promise!"
JJ also shared his grief online, posting a photo of a candle against a black background with the words, "Rest in peace, Mom. I love you. 😢🕯️"
Marjorie's daughters, Dani Barretto-Panlilio and Claudia Barretto, also took to Instagram Stories to honor their grandmother. Dani shared multiple images of Inday with the entire Barretto family, including one with Inday and Miguel, captioned: "Together again. 🕊️" Another features Dani herself with both of her grandparents, writing, "I love you both. 🥹 Rest in peace, Mama Day. 🕊️"
Claudia also shared touching images of herself with her grandmother, celebrating the warmth and love Inday brought to their family.
Even amid grief, Claudine expressed gratitude to her siblings for taking care of their mother. "We all did our part. JJ, Michie, Gia, G, Marjorie & all the apos pati apo sa tuhod. Pantay pantay inalagaan ang mommy," she wrote on Facebook the morning of January 30. "Magulo man po kami, but in grief we are all united. We choose peace over everything," she added.
Describing her mother as “the strongest most loving mother anyone could ask for," Claudine said her family will carry on her legacy of love and care. "We will be ok. How can we not? We are Inday Barretto's children," she shared.
Fans and fellow celebrities have also offered their condolences, remembering Inday as the pillar of the Barretto clan and a devoted grandmother, mother, and matriarch.
The Cosmo team extends our deepest condolences to the Barretto family during this difficult time.
Justina is the Editorial Assistant of Cosmopolitan Philippines. She's a Southie who's always collecting stickers, cafe receipts, and proof she’s living her best life (in the name of content, of course).