Amy Winehouse's Death Leaves 'Gaping Hole' in Lives of Family

The family of Amy Winehouse's issued a statement today regarding the tragic passing of the 27-year-old singer.

"Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece. She leaves a gaping hole in our lives," the Winehouse family told Us Weekly. "We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time."

Upon learning of his daughter's death, Mitch Winehouse, who was in New York City at the time, said he was "getting on the next plane back." "I'm coming home," he continued. "I have to be with Amy. I can't crack up for her sake. My family needs me. I'm devastated; it's such a shock."

Amy's mother Janis believed her daughter's death had been "only a matter of time" when they met just one day earlier. "She seemed out of it," Janis said. "But her passing so suddenly still hasn't hit me."

Janis says that four of the last words Winehouse spoke to her at the end of their meeting were, "I love you, mum."

"They are the words I will always treasure," she said. "I'm glad I saw her when I did."