Martha Stewart, 82, reveals her beloved 15-year-old Persian cat Empress Tang has died - as she shares a touching tribute to the 'awesome' feline: 'I loved her so much!'

Martha Stewart has shared a touching tribute following the death of her 15-year-old cat Empress Tang.

The 82-year-old took to her social media on Monday with a sweet slideshow of her beloved pet.

The entrepreneur captioned her emotional post: 'Empress Tang, my dearest tri-color Persian, passed away this morning of natural causes.

'She was an awesome cat. She lived well, worked hard.'

Martha Stewart has shared a touching tribute following the death of her 15-year-old cat Empress Tang 

The 82-year-old took to her social media on Monday with a sweet slideshow of her beloved pet 

The entrepreneur captioned her emotional post: 'Empress Tang, my dearest tri-color Persian, passed away this morning of natural causes' 

Martha went on to reveal that Empress Tang had been in several ads for the PrettyLitter brand and was often featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine.

'We loved her so much!!!!!!!!!!!!' she concluded.

Empress Tang and her sister Princess Peony both moved in with Martha only four months after they were born in May 2009.

The furry duo lived with the star at her farmhouse in Bedford, New York, alongside another cat named Blackie.

Once the pair had settled into their new house, Martha shared on her website: 'Empress Tang and Princess Peony have acclimated nicely to their new home and are so joyful, as only kittens can be.'   

She added in a blog post on her site: 'Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my animals - my dogs, cats, birds, and horses - they're wonderful and special companions.

'My cats definitely like their routines - they like to eat and go out at the same times, and they like to sleep and lounge in the same places. 

'Empress Tang loves napping in this bed on my staircase landing.

'Tang doesn't mind her picture being taken. In fact, she actually looks as if she enjoys posing for the camera.'

Martha shared that Tang enjoyed 'watching everything through the big glass door and windows' in the front hall.

She added that the kitchen bowl was 'one of Tang's favorite spots,' therefore, she would place 'a small towel in the bowl to protect it while giving Tang a comfy place upon which to sit' 

Empress Tang (right) and her sister Princess Peony (left) both moved in with Martha only four months after they were born in May 2009 

'She was an awesome cat. She lived well, worked hard... We loved her so much!!!!!!!!!!!!,' she concluded

She added that the kitchen bowl was 'one of Tang's favorite spots,' therefore, she would place 'a small towel in the bowl to protect it while giving Tang a comfy place upon which to sit.'

The doting cat mom called her 'such a good girl.'

During the pandemic, Martha shared with Today that her cats brought her enormous comfort and peace during the unprecedented and isolating times.    

'There are waiting lists for pets, because people really did figure out that house pets are a great comfort - a great addition to the household.

'They are wonderful for your children to have a responsibility of taking care of something else.

'All of that is to me just endemic in this pandemic. It's a wonderful thing that pets have become more beloved.'

Martha called the cat sisters 'gorgeous, very special, and players.'

The business mogul's Instagram post got more than 18,260 likes and was flooded with comments of condolence. 

One person wrote: 'So sorry for your loss. She was so friendly and sweet when we visited.'

A second person commented: 'So sorry Martha. Losing a pet friend is so difficult.'

During the pandemic, Martha shared with Today that her cats brought her enormous comfort and peace during the unprecedented and isolating times 

The business mogul's Instagram post got more than 18,260 likes and was flooded with comments of condolence 

A third person added: 'I am so sorry! I loved seeing Empress Tang in so many posts and photos! Beautiful kitty!'

Another wrote: 'I'm so, so, sorry. She loved you so much.'

Someone else commented: 'Always loved her in Martha Stewart Living. So sorry for your loss.'

One person wrote: 'I'm so, so, sorry for your loss. She will always be there with you. 

'Your little angel by your side. You were very lucky to have found each other. And for the amazing memories you got to share.'

Another person added: 'Angels on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge are taking the best care of her until you two are reunited.'

'I'm so sorry. She was a beauty. I know these losses are painful. I hope that warm memories for your princess bring you comfort,' another shared. 

Empress' passing comes just two years after her sister Princess Peony's death. 

Back in 2022, the 12-year-old cat was accidentally attacked by Martha's four dogs. 

Martha shared on her social media: 'Burying the beautiful and unusual Princess Peony. The four dogs mistook her for an interloper and killed her defenseless, little self. I will miss her very badly. RIP beauty.'