Lucy Hale is mourning the loss of her father while celebrating a life that meant everything to her.
The Pretty Little Liars star shared the heartbreaking news on Monday (July 20), revealing that her father, Preston Hale, had passed away unexpectedly just days earlier.
Alongside a collection of family photographs spanning many years, the actress posted a deeply personal tribute that reflected on their relationship, the memories they shared and the comfort she has found through faith during an unimaginably difficult time.
Opening her message, Lucy wrote:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday.”
What followed was a portrait of the man she knew beyond the public eye—a devoted father, proud farmer and lifelong Tennessean whose greatest joy came from the people he loved.
“My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind,” she continued. “He adored his family, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy—the love of his life. He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown of Milan, Tennessee. A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him bass pro shop gift cards.”
The tribute also highlighted the unconditional support Preston gave his daughters throughout their lives.
“And he unconditionally loved me and my sister. He never judged,” Lucy wrote. “Our relationship took on many forms over the years, but through it all was a deep soul bond. Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect.”
One detail in particular offered comfort during an otherwise devastating moment.
Lucy revealed that her older sister, Maggie, happened to be visiting her in Los Angeles when they received the call about their father’s passing—a coincidence she believes was anything but accidental.
“My sister happened to be in town visiting me in Los Angeles—which is rare—when we got the call,” she shared. “She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated. I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through those first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”
Throughout the message, Lucy spoke openly about the role her faith has played in helping her process the loss.
Rather than describing her father’s death as a final goodbye, she reflected on the belief that his presence will continue to be felt in everyday life.
“My spirituality and my beliefs are bringing me so much comfort right now. I know my dad isn’t gone—he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh,” she wrote.
She continued with words that captured both her gratitude and enduring love.
“You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others.”
Lucy concluded her tribute by asking loved ones and followers to keep her stepmother in their thoughts as the family grieves together.
“Watch over us. Rest easy,” she wrote. “And please say a prayer for my step mom Stacy as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”
The actress has long spoken about the importance of family throughout her career, often sharing glimpses of special moments with those closest to her while keeping much of her personal life private. Her latest post offered an intimate look at the bond she shared with her father—a relationship built on humor, acceptance and unwavering love.
Following her announcement, messages of support poured in from friends, fellow actors and fans, many expressing condolences and thanking Lucy for sharing such a personal reflection during an incredibly painful time. Her words served not only as a tribute to her father but as a reminder of the lasting impact that love, family and cherished memories leave behind.
