Bruno Mars' mother Bernadette Hernandez has reportedly passed away at only 55 years old, his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press.  

Hernandez, was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaii, and had been supportive of her children's early musical ambitions. Hernandez immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines when she was a child and made a living as a hula dancer.

Family friend Anita Sojot had told Star magazine that the matriarch was in a critical condition, saying: "Bernadette is in hospital and the grandkids are all here, I'm looking after them. The family is on its way here right now and we are going to discuss what to do next."

At the age four Bruno wrote and recorded a heartfelt song for Bernadette - a singer and hula dancer in her youth - called I Love You Mom.

"My mommy helps me with my voice/cuz a superstar singer is my first choice," goes one of its lyrics.

Mars has four sisters who sing together in a group called the Lylas, and a brother who plays the drums in Mars' band. Bruno Mars, 27, has his mother's name tattooed on his shoulder.