Sarah Ferguson's former aide was found dead in Dallas last week, and her family has said that working with the Duchess of York "was the best thing that could have happened to our sister".
Jenean Chapman worked for Sarah between 2001 and 2005. She was found dead at her flat in Dallas on Monday afternoon after her colleagues called the police when she didn't show up to work.
Police arrested a suspect on Wednesday in Austin.
Crystal Marshall, Chapman's sister, said: "After finishing college, Jenean applied for a position to be Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York’s personal aide.
Fergie paid tribute to her former aide on social media
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"She was successful in pursuing this goal and worked for Sarah Ferguson for four years.
"I remember just being in awe and proud of my sister and it was clear to me she was content with her role. She called the family the very day she got the news she’d been hired.
"My mother rejoiced at the news.
"Sarah Ferguson, personally called my mother to further congratulate my sister on her new venture and expressed how impressed she was with my sister."
Jenean Chapman was found dead in her flat in Dallas last week
Instagram / Sarah Ferguson
Marshall opened up about Chapman's role working for a member of the Royal Family.
She told The Mirror US: "My mother till this day has an autograph of Sarah Ferguson to commemorate the opportunity my sister received.
"On Sarah’s behalf, her team has expressed their deepest sympathies for our sister. We found Sarah Ferguson’s post to be very touching and we are overwhelmed by the amount of support she has provided to our family so far.
"We believe working for the Duchess of York was the best thing that could have happened to our sister."
The Duchess of York took to Instagram on Saturday to pay tribute to her former assistant.
Fergie said her 'heart breaks' for Chapman's friends and family
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Sarah Ferguson took to social media to announce the news
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She said: "I am shocked and saddened to learn that Jenean Chapman, who worked with me as my personal assistant many years ago, has been murdered in Dallas aged just 46. A suspect is in custody.
"Jenean was loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun and my heart breaks for her family and friends. I heard from her just a couple of months ago and she seemed so happy.
"Her family is raising money to transport her body back to New York City and pay for legal and funeral costs.
"I will be making a donation and supporting the family in any way possible - please help if you can at the link in my bio."