Gabrielle Union is celebrating her father with love, laughter, and gratitude. The former “America’s Got Talent” judge marked her dad Sylvester’s 81st birthday with a touching Instagram post, sharing photos and videos of the family gathered around him as he continues his battle with dementia.
In the heartfelt tribute, Union reflected on the challenges of loving someone through memory loss and the beauty of still feeling that unshakable bond.
‘His Eyes Lit Up When He Saw Me’
To help celebrate the 81st birthday of her father, Union shared a series of photos and videos on her Instagram in honor of her father, who is currently battling dementia.
In the caption, Union wrote, “It’s my Dad’s 81st birthday and I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful to be his daughter.”
For the photos, it was a family affair for the celebration. Gabrielle’s family, which includes her sister Tracy Union and her husband Dwyane Wade, was all gathered around her father as he lay in an easy chair underneath a blanket. The room was well-decorated with balloons and “Happy Birthday” signs.
Union also shared an adorable video, which was shot by Wade, where her dad reacts to some gentle teasing from his son-in-law.
The actress and entrepreneur continued in her caption, “Loving someone is easier when they can communicate, joke, and be affectionate but it’s a blessing to still feel that love and connection when dementia has overtaken him. Almost 🥰.”
She added that “his eyes lit up when he saw me and @dwyanewade standing at his bedside. He still chuckles when his grandsons bag on him. He’s still here and that’s enough.”
Gabrielle finished the caption by asking her followers to send her dad some birthday love. If not, “he might cuss you out if you don’t! 😂 He definitely told his fellow residents in a clear loud voice to ‘Shut the F UP!’ 😂😂🤣🤣.”
Fans & Celebrities Share Their Birthday Love
Dad asked, and Gabrielle’s friends and fans answered. The birthday love was shared on her Instagram post, all helping dad have an amazing birthday.
Marlon Wayans wrote, “Happy birthday young man!!!,” while Taraji P. Henson commented, “Love on him while you can. I miss my daddy everyday!!! What a blessing. Hug him for me 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🎁🎁🎁🥳🥳🥳🎊🎉🎉🎉🎂🎂🎂.”
Gillian White wrote, “Happiest Birthday to your Dad!!! What a blessing he is to you and your whole family! 🥳❤️” Aaron Paul, her fellow “Truth Be Told” star, wrote, “Happy birthday you beautiful man you!! You did a damn great job raising your baby girl. She’s pure light.🖤”
While many fans shared their love and birthday wishes for her father, one particular fan said, “That’s a blessing right there. Wishing him a blessed day ❤️🎂.”
