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The Amazing Race star Jody Kelly has died at the age of 85.<\/p>\n
The competitor appeared on season 16 of the CBS show at the age of 71, becoming the oldest woman to take part.<\/p>\n
She took part alongside her granddaughter, Shannon Foster, in 2010, but they were eliminated in the second round.<\/p>\n
Jody\u2019s daughter, Kelly Foster, confirmed the sad news of her death on Facebook at the beginning of the month.<\/p>\n
\u2018I lost my mother yesterday. Jody Kelly was 85 years old and so full of life, joy, and learning,\u2019 she began a lengthy post.<\/p>\n
\u2018She always had a smile for everyone she interacted with and loved meeting people and having new adventures. She was so active and was always thinking of how to get in her exercise for the day. She carried exercise bands if she traveled and made it a point to do something physical every day. <\/p>\n
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\u2018She loved learning and was constantly reading books, watching news and documentaries and was so interesting to talk to because of all her knowledge.<\/p>\n
\u2018She loved all of her kids and grandkids and everytime I called her on the phone she was so excited to talk to me and hear all the details of my life.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018The world is now a poorer place and it is still so hard to even realize that she is not in it,\u2019 Kelly continued. \u2018I know she is with her mother and father now, and with all her friends that had passed before her.<\/p>\n
\u2018I hope to see her again in glory someday, in health, joy, and peace, and shining so brightly with the full strength of her beautiful spirit.<\/p>\n
\u2018I miss you so much and can\u2019t believe you are gone. You are strong, loving, happy, open-minded, smart, active, and brave. How can I be all these everyday and who do I talk to now?\u2019<\/p>\n
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She concluded the post: \u2018I know what you would say. Keep strong, Love deeply, Be happy, Stay open-minded, Learn always, Be active, Live bravely. \u00a0Mama, I will try.\u2019<\/p>\n
The Austin American Statesman reports that Jody died in Minnesota, while attending a Spanish language immersion camp.<\/p>\n
Although her cause of death has not been shared, the outlet reports that she died \u2018suddenly but peacefully\u2019.<\/p>\n
Fans offered their condolences to Jody and support for the family in the comments below, with one penning: \u2018What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Many of us loved her. Condolences.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019m so very sorry for your loss. Jody was a truly amazing woman who lived life to the fullest,\u2019 another said.<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019m so sorry for your loss. As deeply as her friends are mourning, her family must feel it even more. I hope you can find comfort in knowing how many lives she touched and how loved she was,\u2019 a follower wrote.<\/p>\n
A Facebook user replied: \u2018Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mom. What a legacy she leaves behind. May all your memories bring comfort to you & your family.<\/p>\n
\u2018She lives forever in your hearts. What a day that will be when we are all reunited with our loved ones in heaven\u00a0one day. Lots of love & hugs & prayers.\u2019<\/p>\n
As a commenter added: \u2018Jody was loved by so many who have enjoyed our time with her-her wit and spirit were special. She adored her family and living life to the fullest.<\/p>\n
\u2018We will miss her. So sorry for your loss.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Despite only being in the competition for a few days, Jody became a favorite of Amazing Race fans when she competed in season 16, in 2010.<\/p>\n
Following her exit after the second elimination, she proudly told viewers: \u2018One thing that I\u2019m taking away from this race is that, it was not the physical challenges so much, even at age 71\u2026 I could go up and down the mountains all right. I did have to stop and rest.<\/p>\n
\u2018But if there\u2019s one thing I could say to other people my age, it\u2019s to get out there and do it. So what if you fail? That\u2019s part of life.\u2019<\/p>\n