RIP Tinkerbell: Paris Hilton's Canine BFF Dies At 14

RIP Tinkerbell
Paris Hilton, hotel heiress and star of the reality television show "The Simple Lfe" holds her pet chihuahua, Tinkerbell, at a Miami Beach hotel Thursday, March 11, 2004. Hilton and co-star Nicole Richie are set to begin production of the second season of the Fox Television reality series which involves driving themselves on a 30-day cross-country trip with no money, credit cards, cell phones or boyfriends. Filming begins in the next few days. (AP Photo/Bill Cooke)
Paris Hilton, hotel heiress and star of the reality television show "The Simple Lfe" holds her pet chihuahua, Tinkerbell, at a Miami Beach hotel Thursday, March 11, 2004. Hilton and co-star Nicole Richie are set to begin production of the second season of the Fox Television reality series which involves driving themselves on a 30-day cross-country trip with no money, credit cards, cell phones or boyfriends. Filming begins in the next few days. (AP Photo/Bill Cooke)

Paris Hilton announced on Tuesday that her beloved chihuahua Tinkerbell had died. The pooch was 14.

“My heart is broken,” the reality star wrote on Instagram. “I am so sad and devastated. After 14 amazing years together my baby Tinkerbell has passed away of old age. I feel like I've lost a member of my family … I love you Tinky, you are a Legend & will never be forgotten.”

Tinkerbell, who MTV called “the first true canine companion of reality television,” was once almost as iconic a reality star as her owner. The dog appeared on the show “The Simple Life,” and made appearances on red carpets, at fashion shows and even in commercials.

According to TMZ, Hilton bought Tinkerbell in 2002 from an online breeding company. The hotel heiress was reportedly inspired to get the pooch after seeing the movie "Legally Blonde," in which the main character owns a chihuahua.

After revealing the news of Tinkerbell’s death, Hilton shared several photos of the longtime canine companion with her Instagram followers. She also thanked fans for their support.

“Thank you for all so much for your kind words & condolences,” Hilton wrote. “It's really helping me through this very sad & painful time. It feels good to know that Tinkerbell was loved by all & touched the lives of so many. She is truly missed.”

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot