Blind Voice star reveals tragic family news: 'She passed peacefully, surrounded by love'

Rachael Leahcar has shared the tragic news of the death of her guide dog, Ella. 

The 30-year-old, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa and is legally blind, revealed she's lost her beloved 11-year-old pup in a social media post.

'It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved Ella,' the former star of The Voice Australia wrote.

'On Monday last week, Ella collapsed at home and couldn't get back up.

'The mobile vet confirmed she was unlikely to walk again, and knowing how dignified and proud my girl was, I couldn't let her suffer.

'She passed peacefully, surrounded by love, with me holding her paw, stroking her face and singing her special song, My Girl.

'Rest in peace, my goldie girl. Ella bella, you were truly one of a kind.'

Rachael previously made headlines when she was left in tears after being refused an Uber ride because of her guide dog, Ella.

She was travelling with then seven-year-old golden retriever on King William Street, Adelaide, before she was left stranded.

Despite the act being illegal under South Australian law, Rachael told The Advertiser that the Uber driver wouldn't let her in the vehicle because he was concerned about the associated cleaning costs.

'I'd just opened the (car) door and started to take off her (Ella's) harness when I heard the dreaded words, "No, no, no, I cannot take the dog"' the singer told the publication.

'I told the driver, 'This is a guide dog, I need her because I'm blind, this is against the law.' But he kept saying "No, no", adding, "It will be too expensive to clean my car"'.

'I just burst into tears, I'd just had a gutful. We had to order another Uber and I was very late for my Fringe show.'

By law, guide dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport, including ride shares, buses and trains. 

An Uber spokesperson told The Advertiser is against their discrimination policy and the driver is being investigated.

Rachael was one of the standout contestants on The Voice Australia's inaugural season in 2012.

Then 18, the singer was assisted on stage for her blind audition, dazzling the judges and audience with her incredible performance of Edith Piaf's classic La Vie En Rose. 

Championed by her coach Delta Goodrem, Rachael went on to place third in the competition.

In 2014, Rachael admitted she hadn't spoken to her former mentor Delta in more than a year.

'It's sad.. she was my big sis,' Rachael told OK! magazine at the time, adding: 'She's a busy woman, I understand.'

While Rachael was under her wing, Delta described her as her 'little prodigy', with the pair later even touring together before going their separate ways. 

In 2023, the singer announced she was pregnant with her first child with husband Chris Johinke.

The lovebirds had met at one of the singer's concerts eight years prior, and reveald they were 'really excited' for the next chapter of their lives.

'I already feel a lot of love in me and Chris for this baby. We're really, really excited and seeing the bump grow and feeling all the kicks, it's been amazing,' she said. 

'I know it takes a lot to take care of a human. I've always had a very maternal instinct.'

The vision-impaired performer went on to say she felt like owning several guide dogs throughout her life was 'a taste' of what she can expect in motherhood. 

As for her degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Rachael said doctors estimated there was a 'one per cent chance' her baby will inherit it. 

'Even if they were born with it, I think we're the best parents to raise someone with a vision impairment,' Rachael said.

Chris and Rachael have already kickstarted the new chapter after moving into their new Glenelg East home following their European honeymoon. 

They welcomed son Eli the following year.