Just ten minutes ago, the glittering decks of a superyacht in Monaco’s Port Hercules were shrouded in somber silence as Selena Gomez, the global pop icon and actress, was seen wiping away tears. Surrounded by close friends and her team at an exclusive yacht party hosted by Louis Vuitton, the star received devastating news: her childhood best friend, Courtney Barry, had passed away unexpectedly. The announcement, confirmed by Gomez’s team, sent shockwaves through the star-studded event, casting a poignant shadow over an evening meant for celebration. As the world grapples with this loss, Selena’s emotional response and the legacy of their friendship are a testament to the enduring power of love and loyalty.
Selena Gomez, now 32, has long been a beacon of resilience, navigating fame’s highs and lows with grace. From her Disney Channel days on Wizards of Waverly Place to her chart-topping music career and critically acclaimed roles in Only Murders in the Building, Gomez has built a legacy that transcends entertainment. Yet, her bond with Courtney Barry, a Texas native who remained a constant in Selena’s life since their preteen years in Grand Prairie, was a cornerstone of her journey. Barry, who shunned the spotlight but was often spotted with Gomez at low-key outings, was described by the star as “my heart, my home.” The news of her passing, reportedly due to a sudden medical emergency, has left Gomez and her inner circle reeling.
The yacht party, a glamorous affer attended by fashion luminaries and celebrities like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, was meant to celebrate Gomez’s latest venture: a collaboration with Louis Vuitton to launch a mental health-focused capsule collection for her Rare Beauty brand. Dressed in a sleek, champagne-colored gown, Gomez had been radiant earlier in the evening, toasting to the success of Rare Beauty, which has donated millions to mental health initiatives worldwide. But as her team quietly pulled her aside to deliver the news, the mood shifted. Witnesses described Gomez stepping away to a private corner of the yacht, her face crumpling as she processed the loss. “She was inconsolable,” a guest shared. “You could feel how much Courtney meant to her.”
Courtney Barry, 33, was more than a friend to Gomez; she was family. The two met in middle school, bonding over their shared love of music and their Texas roots. Barry was a frequent presence in Gomez’s life, from cheering at her early concerts to supporting her through health struggles, including her 2017 kidney transplant, for which Barry was a vocal advocate. Unlike many in Gomez’s orbit, Barry remained fiercely private, working as a nurse in Dallas and avoiding social media fame. “Courtney was Selena’s safe space,” a mutual friend revealed. “She was the one person who saw Selena as just Selena, not the celebrity.” Gomez often credited Barry with keeping her grounded, once saying in a 2020 interview, “She’s my sister by choice. She reminds me who I am when the world tries to tell me otherwise.”
The news of Barry’s passing comes at a time when Gomez has been open about her own mental health journey. Through her Wondermind platform and Rare Beauty’s mental health fund, she has championed vulnerability and self-care, themes that resonate deeply in this moment of grief. Sources say Gomez is taking time to mourn privately, canceling her remaining appearances in Monaco. A statement from her team read, “Selena is heartbroken and asks for privacy as she grieves the loss of her dearest friend. Courtney was a light in her life, and Selena is committed to honoring her memory.”
The outpouring of support from fans and peers has been swift. On social media, hashtags like #ForCourtney and #SelenaStrength have trended, with fans sharing memories of Gomez’s tributes to Barry over the years. Celebrities, including Taylor Swift, who knew Barry through Gomez, posted heartfelt messages. “Courtney was pure kindness,” Swift wrote on Instagram. “My heart is with Selena.” The fashion and entertainment communities, gathered in Monaco for the event, have also rallied around Gomez, with Louis Vuitton’s creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, dedicating the evening’s proceeds to a mental health charity in Barry’s name.
As the yacht sailed under Monaco’s starlit sky, the mood aboard shifted from celebration to reflection. Gomez, known for her emotional authenticity, has often spoken about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. In a 2023 podcast, she described Barry as “the person I’d call at 3 a.m. when the world felt too heavy.” Now, as she navigates this profound loss, Gomez’s strength is once again in the spotlight. Her decision to step away from the public eye, even temporarily, underscores a message she’s long championed: healing is not linear, and vulnerability is a form of courage.
Courtney Barry’s legacy, though private, will live on through Gomez’s work. Insiders hint that Gomez may dedicate her next project—a forthcoming album or a Rare Beauty initiative—to her friend, ensuring that Barry’s spirit of compassion and quiet strength inspires others. As Monaco’s waves lap against the yacht, the world pauses to honor a friendship that shaped one of its brightest stars. For Selena Gomez, this is not just a moment of grief, but a chance to carry forward the love that defined her bond with Courtney—a love that, even in loss, will never fade.
