Oprah Winfrey’s father, Vernon Winfrey, has died at the age of 88.
The hard-working businessman was battling cancer and his 68-year-old daughter surprised him with a heartfelt surprise party to honor his life during the Independence Day holidays.
The father of the television personality owned a barber shop and was a Nashville councilor during his lifetime.
Sad news: Oprah Winfrey’s father, Vernon Winfrey, has died at the age of 88 after a battle with cancer; Oprah photographed with Vernon in 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee
The 68-year-old posted a tribute post on his Instagram Saturday earlier with an emotional caption following the news of his death.
Oprah wrote, “Less than a week ago we paid tribute to my father in his backyard.” My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps greeted him with a song.
“She felt love and reveled in him until she could no longer speak. Yesterday, with the family by her bedside, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, taking his last breath, ”he added, expressing that his father knew how people loved and loved him.
In his honor: The television personality, 68, recently surprised his father with a heartfelt surprise party to honor his life during the Independence Day holidays.
“We heard that Peace was entering the room as it passed. That Peace is still standing. Everything is fine. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts,” the star declared at the end.
Commentators expressed their condolences for the publication, with Oprah Daily stating, “Rest in peace, Mr. Winfrey.” What a beautiful tribute in person and through the written word. ‘
Although the type of cancer Vernon was battling has not been made public, the business owner had a chance to be surrounded by friends and family over the holiday weekend.
Memorable moment: During the celebration, gospel singer Wintley Phipps sang a song to her father
Guest of Honor: Vernon sat in a barber chair in the heart of the party to honor his work as the owner of a successful barber shop in Nashville
Oprah, 68, planned a barbecue in the backyard to pay tribute to him and labeled the celebration as Vernon Winfrey’s Appreciation Day.
In a video posted on her Instagram page, the presenter of the gathering explained what the event meant.
He said he was partying, “because my dad is sick. So we wanted to be able for all his friends to come celebrate him while he can receive the joy.”
Special Day: She shared photos of the July 4 special celebration on her Instagram
Sincere surprise: The host of the talk show explained that his father, Vernon, thought the party was a simple July 4 celebration and had no idea the event was to honor him.
“Give your ‘flowers’ to my dad while he’s still good enough to smell them. Happy July 4th when you get together with your family and friends. Remember to celebrate each other,” Oprah wrote for subtitle the video.
According to TMZ, Vernon owned the Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop for over 50 years.
An employee of the company expressed in the post how affectionate and loyal Oprah’s father was. “Vernon would give you the back shirt.”
Father-daughter duet: The star had a strong love for his father and was photographed with a microphone so he could say a few words during the Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day party
Vernon was a esteemed member of his community, and returned to the city having a role as a councilor in Nashville.
According to The Sun, he was also a highly regarded member of the National Barber Museum and the Hall of Fame.
During the July 4 event, Oprah expressed how her father was one of her biggest inspirations and how she was a figure she loved.
She stated that he “brought honor to your life and honor to my life,” according to the publication.
Incredible memories: Vernon is seen sitting in a barber chair while surrounded by friends and family who came to honor him.
Big Day: Oprah and her friend Gayle King, 67, appear together posing in front of Vernon Winfrey’s appreciation poster