Fans are sending Gabrielle Union love and prayers as she confirmed her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr.’s passing. The actress shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional post on social media.
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Gabrielle Union Shares Heartfelt Tribute Amid Her Father’s Passing
Late on Saturday night, Gabrielle Union shared the sad news of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr.’s passing on Instagram. She posted a video showing throwback moments with him, along with photos of him spending time with her daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, and her husband, Dwyane Wade. In her caption, she told fans he passed away on Friday, April 3 after struggling with dementia. She said nothing prepared her for the loss and explained how the disease kept her holding onto hope that the man she once knew would return.
“First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk. The them that you know gets smaller and smaller. You hold out hope for sustained eye contact or a smile; even a hand squeeze can make you feel like they could come back to you “normal” at any second. It’s brutal and it’s what he experienced, but it wasn’t who he was,” Union wrote.
Union Reflects On Her Dad’s Legacy
Gabrielle Union went on to praise her father, sharing that he made friends everywhere he went and always brought life to any room. She highlighted his strong work ethic and reflected on the many lessons he taught her over the years.
“Through every step of his life, my Dad was surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village. I swear he never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet. A lifelong, die-hard Nebraska fan, he taught me the values of teamwork, a fierce work ethic, and that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so tend to them first,” Gabrielle continued.
She also called her sisters heroes for their unwavering support and thanked the medical teams for giving him the best care. Union also said she will miss her father but knows his love for her is eternal. “I know I’m not the first or last Daddy’s girl to go through this, and I’m sending love and healing to anyone suffering the loss of a parent. I know his love is eternal and will find me in every realm.”
Social Media Sends Gabrielle Love & Prayers
After Gabrielle Union shared the news of her father’s passing, fans flooded The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions. Many offered condolences, while others shared their own experiences of losing loved ones to dementia.
Instagram user @thegiftofkay wrote, “Wow you truly never know what battles people are carrying.”
Instagram user @aprnbeauty wrote, “Sending condolences this is sad 😢”
While Instagram user @simplyjonettad wrote, “The joy he must have given you, the smiles are demonstrated all over your face. Sending my condolences 🕊️”
Then Instagram user @createdbydarby wrote, “With Dementia, you lose the person twice. Praying for anyone else’s family that’s been impacted by this horrible disease.”
Another Instagram user @amazingly_jenjen wrote, “It’s brutal 😢😢I’m dealing with that with my mom and I cry everyday 🙏🏾💔”
Instagram user @tasha_s_sayless wrote, “Dementia is brutal 😞 Hope there’s a cure someday.”
Then another Instagram user @kimmymar wrote, “Losing a Parent is devastating 😢. Some take theirs for granted !! Love on them while you have them 🙏🏽”
Finally, Instagram user @w1ll1am_m05l3y wrote, “Very sorry to hear about your Father’s passing. I send my deepest condolences and please know that your family is in my prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”
