Paulina Porizkova mourns death of best friend Mistie Savage-McGuire after cancer battle

Paulina Porizkova broke down in tears on social media Thursday as she announced the death of her best friend of five years, Mistie Savage-McGuire, who died after a battle with cancer. The Vogue supermodel shared a heartfelt message online, saying Mistie passed away at home with her husband by her side. The post followed Mistie’s own online presence and the public conversations surrounding her illness, underscoring the close bond she had with Porizkova and the influence their friendship had in their social media circle.

Porizkova’s Instagram update showed the model makeup-free in a mint green floral-print robe at home as she grappled with the loss. The message confirmed Mistie’s passing and reflected on the impact of their friendship, noting that Mistie’s openness about her illness had touched many people in a world driven by online connection. Mistie’s battle came as details about the cancer and its effects on her body emerged in the weeks leading up to her death.

Mistie Savage-McGuire had been diagnosed with stage-four colorectal cancer, a disease that progressed from the colon to the liver and then to the lungs. In addition to the cancer, she suffered heart failure that required a pacemaker, according to the public statements surrounding her illness. The news of her death arrived with tributes from her husband, who posted on Instagram to share the loss and to thank those who supported Mistie during her fight.

In his post, Mistie’s husband, Todd, described a brave, courageous battle fought with “style and grace” and a sense of humor that remained with her throughout her illness. He wrote that Mistie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, and he attributed much of her visibility and impact to Porizkova’s enduring friendship. The post also highlighted Mistie’s influence on others in their social-media era, noting that her personality and bravery reached countless people beyond their immediate circle. He added a personal note of gratitude to Porizkova for introducing Mistie to a wider audience and for becoming her best friend.

Mistie’s online presence was marked by a candid, humorous voice about living with terminal cancer. Her Instagram bio famously described her as “a nobody w/terminal rectal cancer,” declaring that Paulina Porizkova was her best friend and that she “kicked ass” despite her illness. The candid tone reflected Mistie’s belief in honesty and resilience, and it connected with followers who appreciated the blend of grit and humor she offered in the face of a serious diagnosis.

Porizkova has spoken of the bond she formed with Mistie after the friend followed her on social media and reached out when she saw one of Porizkova’s posts. In a video interview conducted from her home, Porizkova said she could not recall the exact words Mistie wrote, but she remembered the sentiment and how it felt. The model described Mistie as raw and real, someone who inspired her and many others through a courageous, unfiltered approach to life and its challenges. The two women’s relationship became a testament to friendship in the public eye, illustrating how authenticity online can resonate across a broad audience.

The loss drew reactions from fans, fellow models, and others who followed Mistie’s journey. In reflecting on Mistie’s impact, her husband noted that her presence reached people across social media and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy of bravery, humor, and compassion. The statements from both Porizkova and Mistie’s husband underscored a shared view of Mistie as a force who connected with people through honesty about illness and the human side of cancer.

As the fashion and entertainment worlds continue to process the passing of a friend and confidante, the story serves as a reminder of the intimate lives behind public careers. Porizkova’s tribute, Mistie’s candid online persona, and the public acknowledgment by her husband together sketch a portrait of a friendship that bridged personal pain and public visibility. The family asked for privacy to mourn, while supporters offered condolences and reflected on Mistie’s legacy of courage and grace in the face of illness.