Ryan Seacrest is mourning the loss of his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, who has died at the age of 81. The American Idol host shared the news with an emotional message on Instagram, remembering his dad as a devoted husband, loving grandfather, and his “best friend.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week,” Seacrest 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.”
Seacrest included several personal photos alongside the announcement, including family snapshots and a throwback image of him as a child in a suit, embraced by his father. No official cause of death was shared. Gary Seacrest had previously battled prostate cancer and, earlier this year, spent more than four months in the hospital.
Seacrest’s Emotional Tribute Reflects A Close Father-Son Bond
In his post, Seacrest reflected on his father’s impact on their family, noting Gary’s role as a constant source of strength and support. He concluded with a direct message to his father: “Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”
Gary Lee Seacrest was married for 56 years and is survived by his wife, his children — Ryan and Meredith Seacrest Leach — and granddaughter Flora. Seacrest emphasized his father’s steadfast presence throughout major life moments and credited him with shaping his values and work ethic over the years.
The TV host’s tribute underscores a relationship he has spoken about often. Seacrest has long highlighted his father’s encouragement during the early years of his career and their continued closeness as his professional life expanded to include hosting duties across radio and television.
A Difficult Health Battle Shared Publicly
While no official cause of death has been released, Seacrest previously discussed his father’s health on his radio show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, including a July 2025 episode where he detailed the family’s efforts during Gary’s cancer treatment. “I have a very close relationship with my father and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago,” he said, sharing that the journey included serious complications and extended hospital stays.
Seacrest recalled a harrowing moment during the most recent season of American Idol when his sister, Meredith, called to tell him their father had been admitted to the ICU with pneumonia following chemotherapy. “My sister called me and she said ‘dad is in the ICU’ and ‘how fast can you get here?’” he said. “I finished the show, we were almost done, I don’t even remember what I was saying on the show,” he added, noting that he immediately flew home to be with his family.
In reflecting on one particularly tense night, Seacrest shared that doctors discussed an emergency procedure. “The night that I got there, the conversation they were having with [his dad] about an emergency surgery was a life or death conversation, and 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 chose not to proceed with surgery and later required full-time care.
Seacrest also revealed that his mother has faced her own health battle with cancer, though she is currently in remission. His candid updates over the past few years have offered listeners an intimate look at the family’s experience navigating treatment, recovery milestones, and setbacks, including a period after a 2021 diagnosis when Gary was declared cancer-free.
Tributes And Support From Friends, Colleagues, And Fans
Messages of support quickly poured in after Seacrest’s post. American Idol judge and pop star Katy Perry wrote, “sending you and your family all the love,” while singer Michael Bublé added, “Love you man.” Fans also shared condolences and stories about how the Seacrest family’s openness about health struggles had resonated with them.
Seacrest’s network of collaborators across television and radio rallied around the host, as many praised his father’s influence on the broadcaster’s affable on-air presence and relentless work ethic. The outpouring highlighted the deep affection fans and industry peers have for Seacrest and the family’s candor during a difficult period.
For Seacrest, the loss comes after months of balancing high-profile professional commitments with private caregiving responsibilities. He has spoken candidly about the challenges families face when a loved one undergoes aggressive treatment, describing the experience as both disorienting and clarifying. “When you see a parent suffering… you don’t understand it yourself, and you’re just listening to all the different doctors and trying to make sense of what they’re trying to suggest and do,” he said on air.
As the Seacrest family grieves, Ryan’s tribute centers on gratitude — for the time they had, the guidance his father offered, and the memories captured in those family photos. It’s a portrait of a father remembered not simply for his resilience amid illness, but for his unwavering presence as a husband, dad, and grandfather.
Seacrest’s message honors that legacy with a simple, lasting refrain: his father’s memory will remain at the heart of their family.
