Home Town star Erin Napier shares emotional family news

NewsHGTV star Erin Napier shares heartbreaking family news with fansHome Town star Erin Napier shared an emotional tribute after the death of her beloved Aunt Mae Mae, who helped care for her as a child and encouraged her creativity. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/APHome Town star Erin Napier is mourning the death of a beloved family member while she and husband Ben Napier continue work on the popular HGTV series. Erin Napier announced that her aunt Marilyn, known affectionately as “Mae Mae,” had died Nov. 4, according to People’s report on the family loss. In her emotional tribute, Erin Napier remembered her aunt as someone who loved meeting and talking with people. Mae Mae spent years working in retail and also greeted visitors at Laurel Mercantile Co., the Napiers’ store in Laurel, Mississippi, TV Insider reported. Mae Mae also played an important role in Erin Napier’s childhood. She cared for her when Erin’s mother was working and took her on walks in the woods. The two collected leaves for scrapbooks, watched John Wayne movies and learned about presidents. Erin also credited her aunt with recognizing and encouraging her artistic talent, according to AOL’s report.That bond eventually became part of the Napier family’s next generation. Erin Napier said she named her younger daughter, Mae, after the aunt who meant so much to her. Fans responded to the announcement with condolences and their own memories of meeting Mae Mae at the family’s store, EntertainmentNow reported. The loss comes during a busy and emotional period for the HGTV family. Erin Napier and Ben Napier are filming Season 11 of Home Town, and their Home Town Takeover team recently won a 2026 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Instructional/How-To Program. The couple skipped the ceremony while filming in Laurel and spending Halloween with their daughters, TV Insider reported.Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.