Whether she’s playing bookish teacher, Avery, in “Jingle Bell Run,” or Natalie, a neighbor just wanting everyone to get along in “Falling Together,” Ashley Williams often brings a bubbly quality to her characters. Even when dealing with the traumatic aftermath of the LA wildfires, she managed to find some joy, dancing in the rain when she saw a rainbow.
But the Hallmark star has been honest about the not-so-cheerful moments in her life, as well, such as her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. On September 21, Williams posted a tribute to caregivers, like her father, in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day. Fans and costars shared their own caregiver stories, while making sure that the “To Barcelona, With Love” star felt the love.
She Celebrated the Dedication of Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Williams posted a photo of her father and mother in an embrace. Her mother, Linda, died in 2016 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
“This #worldalzheimersday I want to call out to the 11 million caregivers of #alzheimers and other dementia in this country, like my dad in this picture,” Williams captioned her Instagram post. “He was devoted to my mother for all of their almost 50 years together, but especially in the years that she lived with the disease. It was almost more of a dangerous time for him than her.”
If you know of someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, reach out to them today,” she continued. “Let them know you know they are tired. Maybe drop off dinner this week or offer to come hang out with their loved one so they can shower or take a walk. Their job is endless, heroic, beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you, caregivers, for all you do. I’m standing with you today and I hope you can feel my arms around you.”
“If you have the means to donate to the Alzheimer’s association today, please check out the link in my bio,” Williams added. “Love you. Xx”
Many fans posted about their own or a family member’s experience as a caregiver for a loved one with dementia. Her sister, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, posted four purple heart emojis. Several of her former Hallmark costars, including Sharon Lawrence, Kevin Nealon, and Miguel Brocca, also commented with heart emojis.
Williams’ Personal Connection Behind “Falling Together”
Over the years, Williams has undertaken steps to honor her mother and raise funds for Alzheimer’s disease research. The most recent instance was Williams’ film, “Falling Together.” In the movie, her character meets Linda Payne (Linda Cash), a neighbor who is in charge of the local Alzheimer’s Association.
“Linda Cash whose character is Linda Payne which is my mother’s maiden name,” she explained to Southern Living. “My mom was Linda Payne.”
That was one of those moments where it was so personal it was absolutely undeniable and in some weird way it felt like this little moment where I felt a lot closer to my mom than I had in years,” she said. “It really ended up really meaning something to me. It was really special.”
