Maddie Tippett became an instant Internet sensation after going head-to-head with her father, who was trying to trick her into saying she loves him more than her mother.
During the two-minute video, called ‘Who’s Your Favourite?’, her father Mick attempted every trick in the book to get the little 3-year-old to say she loves him more than she loved her mum – but the cheeky and clever wit from the youngster leaves her father sighing at his repeated failed attempts.
The video has had over 9.5 million hits to date but, while originally the comments underneath were of people saying how much they enjoyed it, they are now messages of respect and grief.
Because little Maddie has sadly passed away.
Tragically, Maddie died suddenly this week after displaying ‘cold-like symptoms’.
Her parents took her to their doctor on Monday, who told them it was nothing more than a virus.
But when Maddie’s condition worsened that night, her parents quickly rushed her to John Hunter Hospital – where doctors discovered two strands of the common cold had taken hold and one of them was attacking her heart.
A short time later, the little girl passed away.
Maddie's mother Kerryn has bravely spoken to the Daily Telegraph, explaining that, while her grief is unspeakable, she will always be happy to know that her little girl brought so much joy to the world on YouTube:
"Part of me feels that Maddie was meant to change the world and I feel sad that she didn’t get the chance.
"But then I think in 10 years’ time someone will be having a bad day at the office and sit down and click on that video and it will cheer them up. That will be her legacy."
In three short years, this little girl touched the hearts of millions of people - and our thoughts are with her family at this time.