Oprah Winfrey’s father Vernon has died on July 8 at the age of 89 following a battle with cancer.
The TV personality shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram along with a beautiful video during Vernon’s final days where he was honoured.
“Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside I had the sacred honour of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath,” she wrote.
“We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing.
“That Peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”
Oprah spent Vernon’s final days with him in Nashville, as well as organising a “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Celebration” backyard BBQ.
During the party, Vernon was seated on a barber chair in honour of his dedicated worklife as Oprah’s friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps saluted him with song.
“He FELT the love and reveled in it until he could no longer speak,” she said.
In a clip, Oprah can be heard saying to Vernon: “Thank you for being the kind of father who has brought honour to your life and honour to my life.”
A few weeks earlier on Father’s Day in the US, Oprah honoured her father and reflected on the lessons he taught her.
“If it were not for him, I doubt that anybody in the world would know my name,” she said.
“I know firsthand how the trajectory of life can change by the positive influence of a good father.”
Image: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.