Gabrielle Union’s father, Sylvester, has passed away at the age of 81 following his battle with dementia.
The actress announced the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a video montage of her and her father over the years.
Gabrielle Union Shares Heartfelt Tribute To Her Father
“Yesterday morning, my Dad, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., passed away,” she wrote. “No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearance of your loved one.”
She went on to open up about the experience of watching her father battle with dementia, explaining that it starts with “repeating words or forgetting little things here or there,” but then he ultimately can’t “swallow or walk.”
“You hold out hope for sustained eye contact or a smile; even a hand squeeze can make you feel like they could come back to you “normal” at any second,” she added. “It’s brutal, and it’s what he experienced, but it wasn’t who he was.”
Union added that he father was “surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village,” explained that he “never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet.”
“A lifelong, die-hard Nebraska fan, he taught me the values of teamwork, a fierce work ethic, and that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so tend to them first,” Union wrote. “My Dad was a perfectly imperfect man and father. Over time he evolved, acknowledged his imperfections, apologized, and made amends for as long as it took for the hurts to heal. He made it his business to look after everyone. He loved our friends too and treated them like his sons and daughters. No one was ever left behind or unseen.”
She also detailed the impact her parents have on her, stating that she “vowed to follow in their footsteps,” specifically adding that her father “loved to party, ALWAYS the life of EVERY party. He loved music, traveling the world, and spending time with extended family and friends.”
“I am grateful for all who stepped up in his final years to care, nurture, and love on him. My family and I are eternally grateful for the medical and memory care staff who ensured he had the best care. My sisters who stepped up are heroes, and I love you both beyond words,” she concluded. “It’s bewildering to feel relief that the pain has ended, but profound heartbreak at the finality of his time. I know I’m not the first or last Daddy’s girl to go through this, and I’m sending love and healing to anyone suffering the loss of a parent. I know his love is eternal and will find me in every realm.”
Hollywood Shows Support For Gabrielle Union
Getty“So very sorry. I can honestly say that I know the road….It challenges and cements everything you know about love…A beautiful tribute to an obviously great man.❤️,” Viola Davis commented.
“My guy ❤️❤️❤️,” Union’s husband Dwayne Wade posted.
“So sorry for your loss babe! What a legacy….and now YOU are the life of the party 🫶🏽,” Eva Longoria shared.
“So tremendously sorry for your loss, Gab. What a man. What a legacy. What lessons in beautiful humanity. Thank you for sharing, and helping so many people love on their family a little harder tonight. Love you,” Sophia Bush wrote.
My condolences to you and your family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. My mom went through that and it’s a struggle especially when they’re like you say the life of the party. You take care of yourself and God bless you all.
Sorry for your loss!!! I lost my husband in 2024, and my mom in 2025! R.I.P. sending prayers!!!🙏 🙏 🙏
so sorry for the loss of your dad – yes it is traumatic no matter your age! i was 37 when my mother died at age 64. i am 79 and still cry. God Bless you and i wish you and your family the strength you need.
💐Deep Condolences to the family and friends 🙏🏿