Gabrielle Union Mourns Father’s Death After Dementia Battle

Gabrielle Union is mourning the loss of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., who has died at the age of 81.

The actress shared the news in an emotional tribute, reflecting on his long battle with dementia and the toll it took on their family. In her words, the experience was as painful as it was transformative.

Full story below…

Taking to social media, the star opened up about the gradual decline she witnessed over the years, describing dementia as “brutal.”

She wrote:

“It’s bewildering to feel relief that the pain has ended, but profound heartbreak at the finality.”

She detailed how the condition slowly changed him, from small memory lapses to more severe loss of basic functions, while holding onto moments of connection that offered hope.

Despite the illness, she emphasized that it did not define who he was, remembering him as a vibrant presence who loved music, travel, and being the life of the party.

Read the address from the ‘Being Mary Jane’ actress below:

“Yesterday morning, my Dad, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., passed away. No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one. First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk. The them that you know gets smaller and smaller. 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. It’s brutal and it’s what he experienced, but it wasn’t who he was.

Through every step of his life, my Dad was surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village. I swear 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.

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.

My parents were the first allies and comrades I saw in action, and I vowed to follow in their footsteps. My Dad also 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.

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.

PS: If you knew my Dad, please share in the comments. Our family will cherish.”

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R.I.P.