Emmy-winning actress and singer Keke Palmer opened up on March 26, 2026, to fans as her family mourned her dad’s twin, who died days earlier. Keke, who’s served as a mentor and guest judge on “American Idol” over the last two weeks, revealed that her Uncle Lamont’s death was particularly hard on her dad, Larry, as he marked his first birthday without his twin brother that day.
Posting a photo of her dad and uncle as kids, Keke asked her social media fans for a little help, including her 14.6 million Instagram followers, writing, “I don’t usually share stuff like this but I’m sad for my dad and I just want him to have a great birthday. Maybe you guys can help me wish him the happiest year although bittersweet because of our loss.”
Keke, 32, continued in her post, “My dad is one of nine boys and it’s just down to three of them, time flies don’t it? We must love one another while we have one another.”
Thousands Have Fulfilled Keke Palmer’s Request for Her Dad’s Birthday
Beginning the birthday wishes, Keke wrote, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Rest in Paradise Uncle Lamont. We will miss you more than you know.”
Thousands of fans and friends followed her lead, including actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba, who wrote, “Happy Birthday to your Dad 🎂❤️ sending prayers to you and your family Keke 🙏🏽 so sorry for your loss”
Bozoma Saint John, marketing guru and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, chimed in, “Sending your dad the greatest of birthday blessings ❤️”
Among the thousands of fans who flooded Keke’s social media post, one wrote, “Happy birthday to the best dad and holding you and your cherished brother Lamont in my heart as he passes from this life. An angel among you now.”
Another shared, “Happy birthday and my condolences 🙏🏽 to your dad, with a great daughter like you his day will be bright ☀️”
Keke Palmer’s Dad Says He Has Always Supported Her Pursuits
When Keke was growing up, her parents, Sharon and Larry Palmer, moved their family from Chicago to Los Angeles to support Keke’s dream of working in entertainment, according to People. At 12, Keke landed her breakout role in “Akeelah and the Bee,” co-starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.
Now, 20 years later, Keke says her parents continue to support and inspire her. In 2024, Larry accompanied his daughter to the NAACP Awards and told Entertainment Tonight how proud he was of Keke.
“You have to acknowledge your children no matter what, no matter what they do,” Larry told the outlet. “Correct them when they’re wrong, applaud them when they’re correct and they do something special, and we’ve been doing that all our lives. It’s just normal with all of us.”
On the March 16 episode of “American Idol,” producers surprised Keke by digging up archived footage of when her parents let her audition at age nine for “American Idol Juniors,” a one-season spinoff hosted by Seacrest with kids as the contestants. Keke was floored as she watched herself confidently sing and dance for the judges.
Though Keke didn’t advance on that show, she soon found her footing in acting, landing a starring role at 12 in the acclaimed “Akeelah and the Bee,” co-starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.
I actually saw that movie with Keke. Happy Birthday to your uncle.