Ryan Seacrest has announced the death of his father Gary Seacrest aged 81.
Ryan Seacrest has announced the death of his father Gary Seacrest aged 81
Sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media, the 50-year-old radio and television presenter said Gary had died peacefully earlier in the week following a long battle with prostate cancer.
Ryan revealed the news on Friday (31.10.25), writing on Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week. My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken.”
Ryan also called Gary “a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend”.
He added: “Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”
The American Idol host shared several photos alongside the message, showing moments with his father and their family, including his sister, Meredith Seacrest.
Ryan had previously spoken publicly about his father’s health battle.
In a 2021 Instagram post, he said Gary had been “battling cancer for several years”, though at the time doctors believed it was “no longer detectable”.
However, during a July broadcast of his radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest, he revealed Gary’s cancer had returned and worsened.
He said that while undergoing chemotherapy, Gary also developed pneumonia, which left him in the intensive care unit for several weeks.
Ryan became emotional as he described the experience of watching his father suffer.
“When you see a parent suffering and when you see them going through this 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 trying to suggest and do,” he said during the July programme.
Ryan added: “I didn’t want to miss trying to understand who these people were that were taking care of my father.”
Gary’s wife, Connie Seacrest, has also battled cancer in the past and is now in remission.
Speaking on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Ryan said the disease “affects every one of us in some way, and it sucks”.
He added: “And the treatments suck… treatments are tough.”
Ryan, who described his father as his “best friend”, has often credited his parents for their support throughout his career in broadcasting, spanning radio, American Idol and television presenting.
