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Offer sympathy for the loss of a partner, family member, or friend
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If someone you know is grieving the death of a loved one, a text message offering your condolences and support can go a long way. But what if you’re not quite sure what to say to express how sorry you are about their loss? If you’re in this situation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a thorough list of heartfelt, sincere condolence text messages for the loss of a parent, partner, sibling, child, extended family member, or friend. We’ve also included expert insights on supporting people through grief from mental health professionals. Read on to find the perfect condolence message for your unique situation.

Example Condolences Text Messages

  • I’m so sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you, and I’m always here for you.
  • Sending you peace, strength, and comfort as you navigate this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything at all.
  • I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers, and I’m here to support you in any way I can.
  • My deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in the memories you shared, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
  • I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know I’m here to support you in whatever way you might need.
  • I wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your loss. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.
  • I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength, healing, and peace as you navigate this difficult time.
Section 1 of 9:

Simple Condolences Text Messages

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  1. A condolence text doesn’t always have to be very wordy or elaborate—sometimes a concise, sincere message is all you need. Clinical therapist Joseph Phillips, MSW, recommends saying that you’re sorry for their loss, while also making sure they know you’re there to support them in whatever way they need. [1] Here are some examples:
    • I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers, and I’m here to support you all in whatever way you need.
    • I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I want you to know I’m here for you, and I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
    • I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts during this difficult time, and I’m always here to talk, no matter the hour.
    • My friend, words can’t express how sorry I am about your loss. My heart goes out to you at this challenging time, and I’m here for you in any way you need.
    • Sending you peace, strength, and comfort as you navigate this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything at all.
    • My heart is broken for you and your family, and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. If there’s anything at all I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
    • I was so devastated to hear about [their loved one’s name’s] passing. I’m sending you and your family all my love and comfort at this tough time.
    • Words can’t express how sorry I am about your loss. [Their loved one’s name] was a truly incredible person who will be so deeply missed.
    • My heart aches for you and your family. I’m here for you during this challenging time, and I’m keeping you all in my prayers.
    • Sending you so much love and comfort at this difficult time, and I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. You’re not alone, and I’m here for you always.
    • Thinking of you at this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to support you through this, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    • My deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in the memories you shared, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
    • I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know I’m here to support you in whatever way you might need. Sending you so much love.
    • Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family at this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Joseph-Phillips Joseph Phillips, MSW , is a clinical therapist and social worker with experience treating anxiety, depression, and trauma.

    Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP , is a clinical therapist and adjunct professor with over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in mental health.

    Vernita Marsh, PhD , is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience who specializes in grief counseling.

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Section 2 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of a Parent

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  1. Express condolences for the loss of a parent with these thoughtful texts. No matter how old you are, the death of a parent is a devastating experience. If someone you know is experiencing this kind of loss, a few words of sympathy and compassion can go a long way. Here are some examples of texts to send:
    • I heard about your [mom/dad’s] passing, and I just wanted to say I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts, and I’m always here for you if you want to talk.
    • Your [mom/dad] inspired a lot of people, me included. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m here to support you in whatever way you need.
    • I’m so sorry about your [mom/dad’s] passing. [He/she] was such a kind person, and I feel so lucky that we met.
    • I was so sorry to hear about your [mom/dad]. I know you must be going through a lot right now, but if there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    • Your [mom/dad] was such a special person, and I have such great memories of the times we shared. Thinking of you and your family at this challenging time
    • My deepest condolences for your loss. Your [mom/dad] seemed like a truly amazing person, and I know [he/she] will be so deeply missed.
    • Sending all my love and comfort at this difficult time. Your [mom/dad] was truly one-of-a-kind, and I’m so grateful I go the chance to get to know [him/her].
    • I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you and your family, and if there’s anything at all I can do to help, please let me know.
    • I never got a chance to meet your [mom/dad], but [he/she] must have been pretty special to raise someone as amazing as you. I’m so, so sorry for your loss.
    • Your [mom/dad] seemed like such a kind, genuine person, and I’m so sorry for this devastating loss. I’m here for you, whatever you need.
    • I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your [mom/dad’s] passing. I’ll miss [his/her] kind personality, great jokes, and huge heart. Sending you so much love.
    • Your [mom/dad] was such an incredible person, and I feel so blessed to have spent time with [him/her]. I’m thinking of you and your family, and I’m here for you all.
    • I’m so sorry for this devastating loss. Your [mom/dad] was a truly special person, and [he/she] will live on in our hearts and memories forever.
Section 3 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of a Partner or Spouse

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  1. Losing a partner is incredibly difficult, so this person will likely need a lot of support. It’s a great idea to reach out with a thoughtful, sincere text, but if you’re close to this person, consider offering some practical support, too. “Consider sending a meal over [...] offer to pick up their children from school, or see if they’d like to come over and just sit on your couch to get out of their house,” suggests therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. [2]
    • I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I’m here to help in any way I can, whether that be talking things through, running errands for you, or picking up food for you and the family. Whatever you need, I’m there.
    • I just wanted to let you know I’m here to help you and your family in whatever way I possibly can during this difficult time. Thinking of you and sending all my love.
    • It was such an honor to know your [husband/wife]. [He/she] was such a thoughtful, kind, and caring person. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m here to support you and your beautiful family in any way I can.
    • My deepest condolences to you and your family for this devastating loss. Your partner was a truly special person, and I feel so lucky to have known them.
    • Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I never got to meet your partner, but I feel like I got to know them through the beautiful stories you told about them. May their memory live on forever.
    • Sending all my love your way at this difficult time. Your partner was such a wonderful person, and I feel so lucky to have met [him/her].
    • I’ll always admire the beautiful bond you and your [husband/wife] shared. You had a one-of-a-kind love, and it was such an honor to behold. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.
    • I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your partner. [He/she] was such a joy to be around and will be so deeply missed. I’m here to support you and the family in whatever way you might need.
    • I’m so sorry for your loss. Your partner was such a special person, and I’ll cherish my memories of them forever.
    • My deepest condolences to you at this unimaginable time. The bond you shared with your partner was truly special, and it can never be broken.
    • May the memory of your [husband/wife] bring you comfort at this challenging time. I’m here for you, whatever you may need.
    • My thoughts are with you as you navigate this unimaginable loss. I’m always here to help you and your beautiful family. Just say the word, and I’m there.
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Section 4 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of a Sibling

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  1. Let this person know they’re in your thoughts after the loss of their sibling. Many people are incredibly close to their siblings, viewing them sort of like best friends and family members all at once. The loss of a sibling can be incredibly devastating, so be sure to offer your warmest sympathies and condolences. Here are some example texts:
    • Your [sister/brother] was such a light, and I feel so lucky to have spent time with [him/her]. May your beautiful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
    • I never got a chance to meet your [sister/brother], but I grew to love [him/her] through your amazing stories about [him/her]. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
    • I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your [brother/sister]. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know I’m here to support you in any way I can.
    • Based on the amazing stories you told about [him/her], I know your [sister/brother] must have been such a fantastic person. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
    • I’ll always remember your [sister/brother] for [his/her] kind heart, amazing personality, and hilarious jokes. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.
    • Sending all my love and comfort to you and your family at this difficult time. Your [brother/sister] was an incredible person, and [he/she] will be so deeply missed.
    • I was heartbroken to hear about the unexpected passing of your [brother/sister]. There are no words to express how sorry I am, and I’m here for you if you need me.
    • The world has lost a truly special person. Your [brother/sister] was one-of-a-kind, and I’ll hold [him/her] in my heart forever. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
    • I’m so sorry about the loss of your [brother/sister]. [He/she] always brightened my day, and I’ll always miss [his/her] incredible smile and contagious laugh. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
    • My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your [brother/sister] was a truly inspiring person who touched so many lives. [He/she] will live on forever in the memories of all who loved [him/her].
    • I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved [sister/brother]. [He/she] was such a wonderful person, and I’ll remember [him/her] forever.
Section 5 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of a Child

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  1. Losing a child is one of the most difficult things a person can go through, so it’s important to express your condolences with extreme sensitivity. If you’re not sure what to say , just let them know you’re available if they need someone to talk to. “Everyone responds differently to grief. It's best to be a listener as opposed to a speaker to ensure that you're not saying anything offensive, while also letting them know that you want to help them through the process,” explains Tenzer. [3] Here are some example texts to send:
    • Words can’t describe how sorry I am about this unimaginable loss. Your precious [son/daughter] will remain forever in our hearts.
    • My heart aches for you and your family at this unimaginable time. Your [son/daughter] was such a light, and [he/she] will be so deeply missed.
    • There aren’t sufficient words to offer comfort after the loss of a child, but I want to send my deepest condolences to you and your family. You’re in my thoughts at this devastating time, and I’m here to support you in any way I can.
    • I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your [son/daughter]. [He/she] was a blessing to everyone who knew [him/her]. May your beautiful memories as a family bring you comfort at this unimaginable time.
    • My deepest condolences to you and your family at this devastating time. Your [son/daughter] left such a huge mark on the world, and I’ll carry [him/her] in my heart forever.
    • I was so devastated to hear about this unimaginable loss. Your [son/daughter] was such an incredible person who brought joy and laughter wherever [he/she] went. I’ll cherish my memories of the time we shared forever.
    • I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved [son/daughter]. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know I’m here to support you in any way I possibly can.
    • From our family to yours, we offer our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies. [Son or daughter’s name] was an absolute light in the world, and we feel so honored to have known [him/her]. May your memories bring you comfort at this unimaginable time.
    • I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your [son/daughter]. My heart aches for you and your family, and if there’s anything at all I can do to help at this difficult time, please let me know.
    • My deepest condolences to you and your family. I never got to meet your [son/daughter], but I got to know [him/her] through your wonderful stories. May your memories of [him/her] bring your peace and comfort, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you and your family at this challenging time.
    • There are no words to describe the loss of a child. All I can say is that I’m so deeply sorry for you loss, and I’m here for you and your family for whatever you might need.
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Section 6 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of an Extended Family Member

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  1. Let them know you’re there for support after the loss of a family member. Whether this person lost a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin they’re sure to appreciate your kind words of sympathy. Let them know they’re in your thoughts, and that you’re there to support them in any way they might need. Here are some examples:
    • I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. He seemed like such a special person, and I know he’ll be deeply missed.
    • My deepest condolences for the loss of your grandma. I feel so lucky to have met such a wonderful woman, and I’ll cherish my memories of her forever.
    • I’m so sorry about the loss of your aunt. She sounded like a truly amazing person. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
    • I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your uncle. Sending you all my love at this tough time, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.
    • I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time, and I’m here to support you in any way I can.
    • During this time of grief, may you find solace in your memories of your wonderful grandmother. She was a truly special person, and she’ll live on in my heart forever.
    • I heard about your grandfather’s passing, and I just wanted to say how sorry I am. My deepest condolences to you and your family as you navigate this tough time.
    • I’m so sorry about the passing of your aunt. I never got the chance to meet her, but she sounded like such a wonderful person. Sending you all my love.
    • My deepest condolences on the passing of your uncle. If there’s anything at all I can do to support you at this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    • I was devastated to hear about the loss of your grandma. She was such a blessing to everyone who knew her, and I’ll always be grateful I got to know her.
Section 7 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages for the Loss of a Friend

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  1. Friends often become our chosen family, so the loss of a friend can cut just as deep as the loss of a family member. Share your deepest condolences, and if you knew this friend too, consider sharing a nice memory of them. “Good memories can help someone move through the stages of grief,” explains Phillips. [4]
    • My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend. [He/she] was such a hilarious, kind, and joyful person, and I’ll always remember the time we all got to hang out together.
    • I was so sorry to hear about the loss of [friend’s name]. [He/she] sounded like such an incredible friend and person. I’m here to support you in any way I can.
    • There aren’t enough words to describe how sorry I am. I know how close you two were, and I can’t imagine how you feel right now. Sending so much love your way.
    • I’m so deeply sorry about the loss of your friend. I never got a chance to meet [him/her], but I feel like I knew [him/her] through your amazing stories about them. May your memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
    • My heartfelt condolences to you at this challenging time. [Friend’s name] was such a wonderful person and friend, and I know [he/she] will be so deeply missed.
    • Just reaching out to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. You two were the best of friends, and I know you meant so much to [him/her]. If there’s anything I can do to support you through this, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    • Losing someone so close is so hard, and there aren’t enough words to express how sorry I am. I’m here for whatever you need at this tough time.
    • I’m so sorry for your loss. [Friend’s name] seemed like such an amazing person, and I know how close you two were. If you ever want to talk, I’m here for you.
    • My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your friend. I’m thinking of you at this difficult time and sending all my love your way.
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Section 8 of 9:

Condolence Text Messages to Send to a Coworker

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  1. Keep things professional (but sincere) with one of these condolence texts. If a coworker, colleague, or business client is experiencing a loss, it’s a good idea to reach out. In this situation, Phillips says it’s all about “acknowledging that person's loss and showing that you sympathize with them, but maybe not expressing as much emotional vulnerability.” [5] This shows you care, without overstepping. Here are some examples:
    • I’m so sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you, and I’m here to help in any way I can.
    • My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m thinking about you at this difficult time, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.
    • I was so saddened to hear about your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting [loved one’s name], but [he/she] seemed like such a kind and genuine person.
    • Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
    • I wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your loss. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.
    • I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength, healing, and peace as you navigate this difficult time.
    • On behalf of the whole team, please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We’re thinking of you and your family.
    • The whole team was heartbroken to hear about your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences, and know that you’re in our thoughts at this tough time.
    • Sending you lots of healing energy at this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    • I’m so deeply sorry about your loss. The whole team is here to support you in whatever way you might need.
    • Just reaching out to let you know how sorry I am about your loss. May your memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Section 9 of 9:

Is it appropriate to send condolences over text?

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  1. When someone experiences a loss, they may be extremely busy with funeral preparations, or they could be too emotionally distressed for a phone call. In these situations, a text is a great option. It lets this person know they’re in your thoughts, but it also gives them the freedom to respond in their own time.
    • In your text, you can also mention that you’d like to follow up with an in-person visit or a scheduled phone call to express your condolences verbally.
    • The grieving person can then let you know what time works best for them, which is often preferable, considering the hectic, emotional atmosphere after a loved one passes away.
    • When is it better to call or meet in person? At the end of the day, it’s all about considering this specific person's needs. “Some people certainly would prefer text, but some people would complain that [texts] come across impersonal. So it's really about knowing that person,” explains licensed clinical psychologist Vernita Marsh, PhD. [6] In other words, think about what you know of this person, then go with your gut!
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      References

      1. Joseph Phillips. Clinical Therapist, MSW. Expert Interview
      2. Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
      3. Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
      4. Joseph Phillips. Clinical Therapist, MSW. Expert Interview
      5. Joseph Phillips. Clinical Therapist, MSW. Expert Interview
      6. Vernita Marsh, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview

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