Lucy Hale's dad dies 'suddenly' at 68
Lucy Hale has announced that her dad, Preston, "suddenly passed away" on July 17 at the age of 68.
Lucy Hale's dad has "suddenly passed away".
The 37-year-old actress said Preson died on July 17 at the age of 68, but she did not reveal his cause of death. Lucy paid a heartfelt tribute to her dad on Instagram on Monday (20.07.26), where she posted multiple shots of her family with the Hale patriarch over the years.
She captioned the upload: "I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday.
"My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy - the love of his life.
"He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in Milan, Tennessee. A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him bass pro shop gift cards. (sic)"
The Pretty Little Liars alum said her and Preston's final conversation "was beautiful".
She continued: "And he unconditionally loved me and my sister. He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, and through it all was a deep soul bond.
"Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect. (sic)"
Lucy went on to explain how her sister Maggie was visiting her in Los Angeles when they learned of their dad's death.
The Scream 4 alum added: "She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated.
"I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift. (sic)"
Lucy's "spirituality and beliefs" are "bringing me comfort right now" in the wake of Preston's passing.
She penned: "I know my dad isn’t gone - he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh. (sic)"
The Wizards of Waverly Place cast member ended her lengthy caption by thanking her dad for being a father figure she "needed in this life", as well as asking for support for her stepmom Stacy, who was married to Preston for 18 years.
Lucy wrote: "You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others.
"Watch over us. Rest easy.
"And please say a prayer for my step mom Stacy as she navigates this incredibly difficult time. (sic)"
Preston is survived by Stacy, their daughters Lucy and Maggie, three stepdaughters, and nine grandchildren.
Lucy's celebrity pals expressed their condolences in the post's comments section.
Singer Demi Lovato, 33, penned: "Sending u so much love (sic)."
All About That Bass hitmaker Meghan Trainor, 32, left multiple red-heart emojis, before adding: "loveuu (sic)."
And Back to the Future actress Lea Thompson, 65, typed: "That is the most beautiful tribute. Love you."
