90+ Condolence Text Messages (SMS & Email Sympathy Examples)

Most of us hear about a death by phone, and we respond the same way. Condolence text messages are now a normal, accepted way to show care, especially when you cannot visit right away. Done well, a text gives the grieving person something to hold on to without asking them to answer.

This page gives you more than 90 condolence texts and emails, from a single line for a quick SMS to a fuller note with a subject line. You will also find tips on timing, tone, and when a text is not enough. If you need longer wording, see our condolence messages or read how to write a condolence message.

Condolence Text Messages to Send Right Away

The first message is usually short. It tells the person you have heard, you are sorry, and they do not have to reply.

• I just heard the news. I am so sorry. Thinking of you.
• I am so sorry for your loss. You do not need to reply. I am here.
• Heard about your loss and wanted you to know I am thinking of you.
• I am heartbroken for you and your family. Call me whenever you want.
• So sorry to hear this. Sending you care and strength.
• I cannot find the right words, but I want you to know I care.
• Thinking of you today and all this week.
• My heart is with you and your family right now.
• Please accept my sincere condolences. I am just a message away.
• I am so sorry. Let me know if there is anything I can do, big or small.
• Just a note to say I am here for you. No reply needed.
• Wishing you strength and patience. I am thinking of you.
• I am deeply sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need.
• Sending love and support to you and your family.

Sympathy Text Messages for a Friend or Relative

A friend or relative may need a warmer text. Add a short memory if you have one. It shows you knew and valued the person.

• I will always remember your dad’s laugh. I am so sorry. I am here for you.
• Your mum was one of the kindest people I knew. I am thinking of you.
• I am so sorry about your grandfather. He was a wonderful man and I will miss his stories.
• I am here if you want to talk, and here if you just want company in silence.
• You are in my thoughts today. I will call you tomorrow, only if you feel like it.
• I love you and I am so sorry. Please look after yourself.
• Whatever you need this week, I am here. Meals, errands, a listening ear.
• I know how close you were. I am thinking of you and your family.
• He was so proud of you. I hope that gives you a little comfort.
• She was a gentle, generous soul. I am holding you in my thoughts.
• I am sorry for the loss of your brother. He was a good man.
• I am sorry for the loss of your sister. Her warmth will not be forgotten.
• Thinking of you and the whole family. I will drop by with food tomorrow.
• You have been strong for everyone. Let me be strong for you today.

Sorry for Your Loss Text Messages

The phrase "sorry for your loss" is simple and widely understood. These texts keep that phrase and add a little warmth.

• Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
• I am sorry for your loss. They were a lovely person.
• So sorry for your loss. I am here if you need me.
• Sorry for your loss. May their memory bring you peace.
• I am truly sorry for your loss. Sending you strength.
• Sorry for your loss, my friend. I am with you.
• So sorry for your loss. You are not alone in this.
• Sorry for your loss. I am keeping you in my thoughts.
• We are sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of you.
• I am sorry for your loss. Call me anytime, day or night.

Condolence Email Messages

An email gives you room to write a little more. It also lets the reader respond in their own time. For a more formal tone, see our guide to professional condolence messages.

• Dear Sarah, I was very sorry to learn of your father’s passing. He was a kind man, and I know how much he meant to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
• Dear Mr. Khan, I am writing to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your wife. She was a lovely person and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.
• Dear Fatima, please know that I am thinking of you and your family. If I can help in any way, I am only an email or phone call away.
• Dear Daniel, I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. I hope the memories you share with your family bring you comfort.
• Dear team, it is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of our colleague’s father. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.
• Dear Ms. Ali, on behalf of everyone at our company, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Please take whatever time you need.
• Dear Omar, I wanted to write to say how sorry I am about your brother. Please do not feel you need to reply. I am thinking of you.
• Dear Aisha, I was shocked and saddened by your news. I am here to listen whenever you wish to talk.
• Dear friend, my heart is with you and your family. I will call you at the weekend to see how you are, and I will bring a meal if you would like.
• Dear Mrs. Hussain, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Your husband was always respectful and generous to us, and we will remember him fondly.
• Dear Yusuf, with deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
• Dear Maryam, I do not have the right words, but I want you to know I care. Please look after yourself.

Condolence Email Subject Lines

A good subject line is simple and kind. Avoid anything that sounds like marketing or asks for a reply.

• With deepest sympathy
• Thinking of you and your family
• My condolences
• So sorry for your loss
• Sympathy for you and your family
• Our thoughts are with you
• In loving memory of your father
• Remembering your mother
• Sending you comfort
• A note of sympathy
• With heartfelt condolences
• We are thinking of you

Sympathy Texts for Colleagues and Professional Contacts

Keep a workplace text polite and brief. Avoid personal details unless you knew the person well.

• Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Take all the time you need.
• On behalf of the team, we are so sorry for your loss.
• I am sorry to hear about your mother. Please do not worry about work.
• Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
• We are sorry for your loss. Your work is covered, so please focus on your family.
• My deepest condolences to you and your family.
• Our whole department is thinking of you. Please let us know if we can help.
• So sorry to hear this news. Wishing you strength.
• We are here to support you in any way we can.
• With sympathy and respect from all of us.

Replying to a Condolence Text

If you are the one grieving, a reply can be just one line. Nobody expects more.

• Thank you. This means a lot to me.
• Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate your kindness.
• Thank you for your message. It brought me comfort.
• Thank you. I will reach out when I am ready.
• We are grateful for your kind words and your support.
• Thank you for being there for us. We will not forget it.

Condolence Texts for Difficult Situations

Some losses call for extra care. These texts are for sudden deaths, long illnesses, and the loss of a young person. Keep them quiet and plain.

• I am stunned by the news. I am so sorry. I am here for anything you need.
• I cannot imagine how sudden this is. Thinking of you and your family.
• I am sorry for the long road you have walked. I admire your care and patience.
• You cared for him so lovingly. I hope you can rest now. I am thinking of you.
• There are no words for this. I am here, and I will keep checking in.
• I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your child. I am here for you, in any way you need.
• Thinking of you and your family. I will sit with you in silence if that helps.
• I am sorry for your loss. I hope the kindness of those around you brings some comfort.
• Your family has been through so much. I am here for you, today and in the months ahead.
• I will be thinking of you on the hard days, too. Not just this week.
• Please be gentle with yourself. There is no right way to grieve.
• I am here whenever you want to talk about them. I would love to hear your stories.

Tips for Writing Your Message

• Send it soon. A text the same day or the next day is welcome. If you are late, send it anyway, because late is better than never.
• Say you do not expect a reply. This removes pressure from someone who is overwhelmed.
• Keep emojis and jokes out. Plain, calm wording is respectful.
• Do not use a text for a close relationship alone. For a close friend or relative, follow up with a call, a visit, or a handwritten card. See what to write in a sympathy card.
• Check names and dates. Make sure you have the right person and the right relationship before you send.

Three Sample Notes You Can Copy

Sample text to a close friend

I just heard about your mother. I am so sorry. She was always so welcoming to me and I will remember her kindness. You do not need to reply. I will call you tomorrow evening in case you want to talk. Thinking of you.

Sample email to a colleague

Subject: With deepest sympathy. Dear Karim, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept my sincere condolences. Take as much time as you need, and please do not worry about your tasks. We have them covered. Thinking of you and your family. Best wishes, Layla.

Sample text to a neighbour

We were so sorry to hear about your husband. He always had a kind word for us. If you need anything, groceries, school pick-ups, anything at all, please message me. With sympathy, Nadia from next door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to send a condolence text?

Yes. A condolence text is widely accepted, especially for people you do not see often or when you cannot visit. For a close relationship, follow up later with a call or card.

How do I send a condolence text?

Open a new message, write a short, sincere note that says you are sorry and are thinking of them, add your name if they may not have your number, and say no reply is needed.

What do I write in a condolence email subject line?

Keep it simple, such as "With deepest sympathy" or "Thinking of you and your family." Avoid long or flashy subject lines.

Should I text or send a card?

Either is fine. A text is fast and personal. A card feels more formal and lasting. If possible, do both. Read how to inform someone of a death in writing and what to say to someone who lost a loved one for more guidance.

A caring text can mean more than you imagine. For shorter lines, see our short condolence messages, and explore our whole Kind Words section.