Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah Winfrey, has passed away
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah shared the news on July 9th via Instagram, mourning her father who died at the age of 88. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but it is known that Vernon had been unwell for some time.
The media mogul, 68, paid tribute to her father by reposting a video of the surprise gathering she organized for him on the Fourth of July. In her heartfelt Instagram post, Oprah revealed that her father passed away on Friday, July 8, “with family surrounding his bedside.”
Oprah wrote;
Vernon Winfrey 1933-2022
Less than a week ago we honored my father in his own backyard. My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps saluted him with a song. He FELT the love and reveled in it until he could no longer speak. Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath. We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing.
That Peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Oprah (@oprah)
Earlier in the week, Oprah shared a surprise gathering she held for her father, where she celebrated with his closest family and friends. In a video posted on her Instagram and filmed by her best friend, Gayle King, Oprah expressed the desire to celebrate her ailing father while he could still appreciate it.
“So, I’ve been planning a backyard barbecue that’s actually more than a backyard barbecue, it’s for Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day,” the iconic host shared in the video, standing in front of a banner that read, “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day.”
“Because my father is ill and so we wanted to be able to have all of his friends come and celebrate him while he is able to receive the joy, so that’s what we’re doing receiving the joy.”
Vernon was a prominent figure in Nashville, known for owning Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop and serving as a councilman for 16 years. Oprah’s mother, Vernita Lee, passed away in 2018 at the age of 83.
