Jennifer Garner’s father, William Garner, passed away peacefully on Saturday after a difficult few years, including her divorce from Ben Affleck. Jennifer expressed her grief on Instagram, saying, “We were with him, singing ‘Amazing Grace’ as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away — valid question).”
“While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.” Garner expressed “gratitude” for her father’s “gentle demeanor and quiet strength” in her reflections on his life, despite his passing.
“For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all in, ever patient girl dad,” she continued. “We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.”
She also thanked the doctors and nurses who cared for her father in his final months.
“Your care extended Dad’s life and gave him time to be in his favourite spots — surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved Aggies, captaining a boat, and — most of all — next to his wife of 59 years, our Mum,” says the actress.
“There is so much to say about my dad — my sisters and I will never be done talking about how wonderful he was, so bear with us — but for today I share these memories with my appreciation for the kind and brilliant man, father, and grandfather he was, as well as the loving legacy he left behind.”
Garner concluded the heartfelt message with a collection of never-before-seen photos from her early years and enjoyable trips with her father.
Garner shared glimpses of their best times, from family photos to picnics where they shared watermelon.
She also includes a 2016 credit card advertisement in which she appeared alongside William.
Celebrities and fans expressed their condolences in the comments section, including talk show host Kelly Ripa, fashion designer Rachel Zoe, actress Lily Collins, Eva Longoria, and more.
Jen opens up about a “very public, very hard” period.
The actress recently shared a cute photo with her parents in front of a floral wall to commemorate their wedding anniversary, which was in January.
“Happy 59th anniversary to my incredibly sweet and loving parents,” she pinned the endearing homage, “Mum and Dad, for giving my sisters and me such a secure, happy start to life.”
