UPDATE: TMZ confirms death of 'Mob Wives' star Big Ang

Published Feb. 18, 2016 12:16 a.m. ET

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Andre Vergara

UPDATE: Angela "Big Ang" Raiola died early Thursday morning, TMZ reported, hours after premature reports that the "Mob Wives" star had lost her battle with cancer.

A post on Big Ang's Twitter account also announced Big Ang's death.

Angela "Big Ang" Raiola is surrounded by family and fighting for her life, a representative said in a statement Wednesday night, following reports — and subsequent rampant Twitter speculation — that the "Mob Wives" star had died.

"The news that has been reported is TOTALLY INACCURATE," the rep tweeted. "Please respect her family, and their privacy at this time. ... Angela is still in the hospital surrounded by her loved ones, and is fighting."

"Mob Wives" creator Jenn Graziano also told "Entertainment Tonight" that Big Ang still was alive and in the company of family and friends.

On Tuesday, Big Ang revealed she's battling Stage IV lung and brain cancer on "The Dr. Oz Show."

She thought she had beaten throat cancer despite being a lifelong smoker. However, doctors told the 55-year-old that the cancer had spread.

"It's shocking what happened," she said. "First I thought I was cancer-free. I was gonna have a big celebration … and then a month later I was stage IV."

On Wednesday night, friend Carmen Carrera asked people to "pray for a miracle instead of gossiping."

"The doctor is only giving her a few hours," Carrera told People. "She was so close to all of us. We are so sad right now."

However, Big Ang's fans celebrated her spirit on Twitter (WARNING: Strong language).

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