SAN.💔 Ryan Seacrest’s Heartbreak: After a Long Battle with Cancer, His Beloved Father Has Passed — The TV Host’s Tearful Goodbye Leaves Fans Around the World in Mourning 💔
Ryan Seacrest reveals his father has died aged 81 after cancer battle… as the American Idol host pays heartbreaking tribute.
Television host and producer Ryan Seacrest has shared devastating family news that left fans across the globe in tears. 
Taking to Instagram on Friday, the American Idol and Wheel of Fortune star revealed that his “loving father,” Gary Lee Seacrest, passed away peacefully earlier this week at the age of 81 after a long and courageous fight against cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week,” Ryan wrote alongside a touching family photo.
“My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken.
He was a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend. Dad, you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”
The emotional post quickly drew thousands of reactions from friends, fans, and celebrities alike — including Maggie Sajak and Josh Groban — who offered their condolences and heartfelt support.
A Loving Father, A Lifelong Friend
In one of the shared images, Ryan is seen smiling beside his mother Constance Marie and sister Meredith, a birthday cake resting on the table — a snapshot of the warmth and togetherness that defined their family.
Another photo captured a young Ryan in a dark suit, red-striped tie, and glasses — a tender reminder of a lifetime of love between father and son.
Gary, who spent his life working as a real estate lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Those close to him remember him as a man of discipline, quiet humor, and deep devotion to his family.
The Pain Behind the Smile
In July 2025, Ryan had opened up publicly for the first time about his father’s illness during an on-air segment. He revealed that Gary had battled prostate cancer for years, enduring pneumonia and multiple ICU stays.
“My dad is about 80 years old, and I have a very close relationship with him,” Ryan shared at the time.
“He was diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago and started treatment. It didn’t get better — it got worse and spread. It didn’t go well for him.”
At one point, Seacrest revealed that he was live on air when tragedy struck.
“I was hosting American Idol last season when my sister called and said, ‘Dad is in the ICU. How fast can you get here?’”
Despite the shock, Ryan somehow finished the show — later describing how he went through the motions, “robotic,” unable to process what was happening.
“I didn’t even remember what I was saying on the show,” he admitted. “It was just automatic.”
Finding Peace in Love and Memory
Still, Ryan and his family found comfort in the moments they shared before the end.
“Over the weekends, they’d send photos of smiling and happiness and being together,” Ryan recalled.
“They’ve been married for 55 years, and they’ve got each other. They’re happy just sitting together, looking at the ocean.”
That image of enduring love — simple, strong, and unspoken — is what Ryan says he’ll carry forever.
“I wanted to share that,” he said softly. “Because I’ve been holding it in for a long time.”
A Son’s Final Goodbye
Ryan was last seen publicly at the ‘Stage Architects: Nations – Festivals – Awards x Media’ panel during the 2025 Joy Forum at the SEF Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just days before sharing the news of his father’s passing.
There, he spoke with local organizers, appearing calm and professional — though those close to him now realize he was quietly carrying a heavy emotional burden.
Today, Seacrest’s tribute stands as one of the most personal moments of his career — a reminder that even the brightest television stars endure heartbreak behind the spotlight.
“He was my best friend,” Ryan wrote. “And he’ll live in our hearts forever.”
A private farewell, a public outpouring. A son’s love that words can barely contain.
Fans continue to flood Seacrest’s social media with tributes, prayers, and memories — reminding him that even in loss, love never leaves.
Ryan Seacrest pictured at the 2025 Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 17 — just two weeks before his father’s passing.
