Ryan Seacrest has shared the devastating news that his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, has passed away at the age of 81.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week,” Seacrest wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken.”
The TV host included several touching photos, including group shots of the family together and a childhood photo of him and his father in suits, arms wrapped around each other.
While there was no official cause of death released, Gary Lee Seacrest had battled prostate cancer and spent more than four months in the hospital earlier this year. Ryan previously spoke about his father’s health on his podcast, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, in July.
“I have a very close relationship with my father and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago,” Seacrest shared. He recalled a frightening moment during the last season of American Idol, when he was told by his sister Meredith that his dad was in the ICU with pneumonia after chemotherapy. “My sister called me and she said ‘dad is in the ICU’ and ‘how fast can you get here?’ I finished the show, we were almost done, I don’t even remember what I was saying on the show,” he said, adding that he immediately flew home.
Seacrest also revealed that his mother has cancer but is currently in remission.
Fans and friends have shared messages of love and support on social media. Pop star Katy Perry wrote, “sending you and your family all the love. ❤️🩹,” while Michael Bublé added, “Love you man 💔.”
Gary Lee Seacrest was married for 56 years and is survived by his wife, Ryan, and their other child, Meredith Seacrest Leach. Ryan reflected on his father’s long battle with cancer, including a 2021 diagnosis and a period when Gary was declared cancer-free.
During a July 2025 podcast, Seacrest recalled a particularly difficult time when doctors discussed emergency surgery for his father. “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,” he said. Gary ultimately chose not to have surgery but required full-time care.
Reflecting on his father’s care, Ryan said, “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.”
In his Instagram post, Ryan also shared his father’s role as a devoted husband, an incredible grandfather to Flora, and “my best friend,” closing with a heartfelt message: “Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”
