If you know someone who just lost someone special, it can be difficult to see them grieve. Unfortunately, you can’t take their pain away, but you can offer your sympathy and condolences. Simply just expressing how much you love and care for them can make a big difference in their day. 

The truth is, you don’t have to leave a long, drawn-out voicemail or send a card with pages and pages of words. Sometimes, a short and sweet text message is all it takes. When someone is grieving, they may not want to talk and text messages offer a way to reach out to them during a difficult time.

If you’re wondering how to send condolence text messages or what to say in your message, our guide can help. 

Read more: How to send condolences

Get a FREE printable Better Place Forests Guide​

Learn about how a Memorial Forest works, pricing, and more with this download.

Get your guide

See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.

Example Condolence Text Messages to Send to Grieving Loved Ones

When it comes to expressing your sympathy for someone who has just lost a friend or family member, a condolence text message may be appropriate in certain situations. 

For example, if you regularly text with that person, a supportive sympathy text is a thoughtful way to let them know you’re thinking of them. However, if you’ve never exchanged text messages before, a condolence text may seem a little bit out of place. Likewise, if the person who’s grieving is a very close family member or your best friend, a text message wouldn’t be appropriate either because it isn’t personal enough for the relationship.

Consider your relationship with that person and whether a short text message would provide comfort during their time of need. If you do decide to text condolences, we still recommend following up with a sympathy card or phone call. In your text, you might also let them know they don’t need to respond, which may help relieve some of the burden they’re feeling to respond to everyone sending condolences.

Read more: How to express sympathy for the death of a loved one

So, what do you say in a condolence text? Use these text messages for condolence examples:

1. I’m so sorry to hear about your [uncle’s, aunt’s, father’s] passing. They will be greatly missed. 
2. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. 
3. Your mother was a loving and caring woman. We will all miss her dearly. 
4. I’m devastated by the news of your friend’s passing. You’re in my thoughts. 
5. I’ll always remember John’s big heart and contagious laugh. I’m [praying for or thinking of] you and your family. 
6. My heart aches for you and your loved ones right now. Please know that I’m sending all of my love and thoughts to you. 
7. I’m so saddened by the news. I’d love to [bring by a meal, help run any errands you might need help with, take you out for coffee] next week. 
8. Our camping trips will never be the same without your cousin there. You have my deepest condolences. 
9. It’s difficult to find the right words to say, but please know I’m sending all my love your way. 
10. I’m always here for you. I’d love to check in and see how you are doing. Can I give you a call one day next week? 
11. I hope the memories of your grandson will provide you with peace and comfort during your time of sorrow. You and your family are in my [prayers or thoughts]. 
12. Please accept my deepest sympathies as you grieve the loss of your sweet grandmother. 
13. We’re toasting your brother and celebrating his beautiful life right now, just as we know he would have wanted. Take care, and know I’m sending my love. 
14. My family and I are so sorry for your loss. May peace be with you during this difficult time. 
15. My heart hurts just thinking of what you’re going through. If I could, I would take away your pain. I love you, and I’m [praying for, thinking of] you. 
16. I’m so sorry for your loss. I love you, and I’m here for you always. I’ll call you next week to check-in.
17. I was deeply saddened to hear of your grandfather’s passing. He was a wonderful man, and I’m so glad I had the chance to spend time with him. 
18. My heart goes out to you and your family. You have our deepest sympathies. 
19. I offer you my heartfelt condolences. May your beautiful sister rest in peace. 
20. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to get to know and love your aunt. She was a bright light in this world, and her absence will be felt by many.  
21. I’ll never forget your daughter’s kindness and compassion. May you find comfort in knowing she left a beautiful mark on everyone she met. 
22. We may have lost your father in the physical sense, but his spirit will live on through all the lessons he taught us over the years.
23. Words can’t describe how sad I am to hear of your granddaughter’s passing. I pray you find strength and comfort during this time. 
24. I’m so sad about your loss. I know nothing will make you feel better, but I’m sending over a casserole for your family this evening, so dinner is one less thing you have to worry about tonight. 
25. We are all going to miss George’s goofy sense of humor and bear hugs. May we find comfort in keeping his memory alive. 
26. You are a great friend, and I hate to see you going through this. Can I take you out for coffee this week?
27. I understand you may need your space right now. Please know that I’m always thinking of you. I love you, and I’m sending my condolences. 
28. I know I can’t do anything to make you feel better, but please know I’m sharing in your grief. Sandy was an incredible friend, and we’ll all miss her so much. 
29. With a heavy heart, I send my love and sympathy to you and your family.
30. I loved your son like he was my own. I am absolutely heartbroken. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Remember, the worst thing you can do is to say nothing at all. As long as you speak from your heart, whatever you write is sure to offer comfort to your loved one during this difficult time. 

Read more: What to say instead of sorry for your loss? Try these 35 alternatives