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    Tears On and Off the Air: Ryan Seacrest Opens Up About His Father’s Final Moments and the Painful Goodbye

    Ryan Seacrest’s Father, Gary Seacrest, Passes Away After Courageous Cancer Battle

    Ryan Seacrest has shared heartbreaking news with fans — his father, Gary Seacrest, has passed away following a long and courageous fight with cancer.

    A Long Battle With Cancer

    Gary Seacrest had battled cancer twice. Back in September 2021, the Seacrest family celebrated his remission, marking a joyful milestone after years of treatment.

    However, during Ryan’s On Air With Ryan Seacrest radio show in July 2025, the host revealed that his father was once again fighting the disease. He shared that while undergoing chemotherapy, his dad developed pneumonia, which led to a serious hospitalization.

    Ryan recalled receiving a call from his sister, Meredith, in the middle of a live show telling him their father was in the ICU and needed him home immediately.

    He flew to Atlanta, Georgia, where doctors informed the family that Gary needed emergency surgery.

    “The night that I got there, the conversation they were having with [my dad] about an emergency surgery was a life or death conversation,” Ryan said emotionally. “I’ve never seen my strong, very smart father with the look on his face that he had…and the concern, and looking at me to help guide what decisions should be made in this moment.”

    Gary ultimately decided against the surgery and returned home, where he required full-time care.

    Ryan’s Devotion as a Son

    Throughout his father’s final months, Ryan made it a point to fly home every weekend to be with him.

    “When you see a parent suffering… and you don’t understand it yourself, you’re just listening to all the different doctors and trying to make sense of what they’re suggesting,” he shared. “I didn’t want to miss trying to understand who these people were that were taking care of my father.”

    It was clear that Ryan’s love and respect for his father ran deep — a relationship that went far beyond parent and child.

    A Heartfelt Farewell

    On October 31, Ryan Seacrest took to social media to announce his father’s passing. He shared several family photos, including a touching throwback of himself as a child with Gary.

    “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week,” he wrote. “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.”

    He ended his tribute with a final message:

    “Dad, you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”

    Remembering Gary Seacrest

    Gary Seacrest’s life and legacy live on through his family — his wife of 56 years, his children Ryan and Meredith, and his granddaughter, Flora.

    As fans and colleagues across the world send their condolences, Ryan’s words stand as a reminder of the enduring bond between father and son — one built on love, strength, and gratitude.

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