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Ryan Seacrest is mourning the loss of his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, who has died at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.
The Wheel of Fortune and American Idol host shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, posting a touching message alongside family photos. "It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week," he wrote. "My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken. He was a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend. Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you. Ryan."
Gary Seacrest, a former attorney and U.S. Army lieutenant, had been married to Ryan's mother, Constance Marie, for more than five decades. He is survived by his wife, son Ryan, daughter Meredith Seacrest Leach, her husband Jimmy Leach, and granddaughter Flora.
Ryan has spoken openly in the past about his father's health challenges, revealing that Gary had been fighting prostate cancer for several years. During a July 2025 episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest, the television host detailed how his father's illness had taken a difficult turn. "My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago and started his treatment. And he, it didn't get better. It got worse and it spread. It didn't go well for him," he said at the time.
He also recalled receiving an alarming call from his sister during a live American Idol show, telling him their father was in the ICU. "I finished the show. We were almost done. I couldn't even remember what I was saying. It was like robotic at that point," he said.
Ryan later described the painful experience of watching his father struggle through pneumonia and chemotherapy. He recalled how his father became so weak that he was unable to sit up, eat, drink, or even use the bathroom on his own. After weeks in intensive care, Gary eventually regained some strength and was released from the hospital.
Despite the challenges, Ryan took solace in the enduring bond his parents shared, describing how their long marriage was marked by simple moments of peace and companionship.
