The UCLA football family is in mourning! Andrea Donahue, the beloved wife of legendary Bruins coach Terry Donahue, passed away on Sunday, April 27. Behind every great coach, there’s often a rock-steady partner who sees it all. She wasn’t just Terry’s wife, but a team mom who made players feel like family. As tributes poured in after her demise from the entire UCLA community, the HoF quarterback and UCLA icon, Troy Aikman‘s statement was particularly heartwarming.

Taking to his Instagram account, he penned an emotional note for Andrea. Aikman wrote, “Andrea Donahue’s passing marks the end of an incredible chapter. She now joins Coach Terry Donahue — my former coach and one of the most important mentors in my life. Together, they lived with purpose, love, and a devotion to others that left a mark on everyone they knew.” Terry Donahue left for the heavenly abode on July 4, 2021, at his home in Newport Beach, California, after he bravely fought against cancer for two years. Now, Andrea and Terry are united again, as Aikman wrote.

He continued, “Andrea treated us players like family, and that’s how they lived — with open arms and open hearts. My prayers are with their daughters, son-in-laws, grandkids, and extended family as we remember a life so beautifully lived🙏🏼❤️.” Rest in Peace! There was something special about her.

Andrea was always present, whether guiding players’ parents through Westwood or comforting athletes after a tough loss. Even current Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster reflected on her impact, saying, “Mrs. Donahue passed away Sunday, and she was just somebody that meant a lot to the program, to UCLA.” For more than two decades, Andrea and her husband, Terry Donahue, were the foundation of the UCLA football program.

Terry served as head coach from 1976 to 1995, earning 151 wins, five Pac-10 titles, and induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. But behind that legacy was Andrea—always Andrea.

At the 2023 unveiling of Terry’s statue at the Rose Bowl, surrounded by 151 bronze roses representing each victory, Andrea said, “It is a great honor to continue Coach Terry Donahue’s legacy.” Troy Aikman, who played a key role in bringing the statue to life, was visibly emotional.

He said, “His greatest gift was being an example of how to be better men.” Aikman regarded Donahue as a major mentor, calling him “as close to perfect as one could get.” He recalled the time they were together at UCLA. The professional reunion? It came when the Cowboys considered Donahue for the HC position, where Aikman was the star QB. However, the negotiations did not work through. And, along with his mentor Terry, Aikman deeply cherished his bond with Andrea Donahue, who made him feel like a family.

Fans join Troy Aikman to pay tribute

As news of Andrea Donahue’s passing spread, fans across the country joined Troy Aikman and the UCLA family to share the grief and cherish her legacy. Her fellow admirers penned, “May she RIP.” One fan wrote, “Beautiful, from the heart tribute, Troy. May we all be so Blessed to have someone like this in our lives,” remarking about Andrea’s impact.

Even other comments echoed similar sentiments, writing, “My condolences on your loss, Troy.” Another fan wrote, “I’m so sorry. What a beautiful tribute.”One of the fans in particular reflected on Andrea’s essence, writing, “I love/am saddened by posts like these, Troy, but thank you for letting your fans know a fraction of how much she meant to you. Our deepest sympathy and love are with you and your family, and also to friends and family.” She was a beautiful soul, indeed.

Another fan honored both Andrea and Terry Donahue’s legacy, penning, “So heartbreaking to hear that Andrea passed, but I know she missed TD. No one will ever replace them in our hearts or the Bruin family. RIP Momma Donahue, you both will be missed, but a great legacy will live on.” Together, these tributes reflect that she will continue to live in our hearts forever.