Mel Schilling’s spouse has paid a touching tribute to his deceased wife on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary. The Australian TV personality, known for her role as a dating expert on Married at First Sight until her passing earlier this year, passed away on March 24, 2026, at 54 years old after bravely battling cancer publicly. She left behind her husband, Gareth Brisbane, and their 11-year-old daughter, Madison, also called Maddie.
Mel and Gareth got married in a beautiful destination wedding in Bali in July 2018 and later had a small second ceremony on Christmas Eve in 2020. Today, on what would have been their eighth anniversary, Gareth took to Mel’s Instagram to express his sorrow as he continues to mourn her loss.
Sharing a picture of their wedding day where they were kissing while holding their daughter and surrounded by loved ones, Gareth wrote: “Ah my one. Hard to come to terms with the fact that the happiest day of my life could now be one of the saddest. We didn’t quite reach 8 years of marriage or 15 years together, but the love and life we shared were incredible! From our first date, I knew I wanted to spend my life with you, and my love for you only grew stronger, even as your light dimmed.”
In a heartfelt message to his late wife, he added: “Rest peacefully my girl, I trust you know that Maddie and I are in a good place to continue healing. She is truly your daughter, and you would be proud of the remarkable young woman she is becoming. Death brings a pain no one can heal, but love leaves memories that cannot be taken away.”
Fans were deeply moved by Gareth’s poignant tribute, leaving comments with heart emojis and praising his words as “beautiful.” One individual mentioned, “You are honoring her legacy.” Another revealed how Mel’s passing prompted them to seek medical help, leading to the discovery of a tumor they were unaware of.
They shared: “After the heartbreaking news about lovely Mel, I visited the doctor for a minor concern that I had been ignoring for weeks due to Mel’s story. It turned out I had a 5cm tumor in my bowel that I wouldn’t have known about if not for her. As I begin this journey post-surgery just 5 weeks ago, I think of Mel often and how she has impacted me. Bless you both.”
The MAFS star passed away shortly after expressing to fans that her “light was fading” and she was uncertain about her remaining time after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain. Initially diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 after experiencing severe stomach pain initially mistaken for constipation, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor and endured 16 rounds of intense chemotherapy. Despite her illness, she continued to travel and film MAFS, earning admiration from colleagues for her remarkable resilience.
The heartbreaking news of her passing was announced by Mel’s husband in a statement that began: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling peacefully passed away today, surrounded by love.” He commended her courage and kindness, noting her unwavering dedication to filming the show while undergoing cancer treatment without complaints.
In his final farewell to his wife, Gareth shared: “In her last moments, when I thought cancer had taken her voice, she beckoned me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will stay with me forever. It required all her remaining strength, and that gesture epitomized our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only concern was for Maddie and me.”
He praised her as a woman who became a mother and a television star at 42 and excelled at both roles. Despite enduring two years of chemotherapy where she could barely lift her head, she displayed courage, grace, compassion, and empathy, never complaining and never missing a day of filming.
“To many, she was Mel Schilling – the matriarch of MAFS and reality TV royalty. But to Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an extraordinary mother, role model, and soulmate.”