Lucy Hale shared the devastating family news that her father, Preston Hale, passed away suddenly at 68 on Friday, July 17.
The Pretty Little Liars actress announced the tragic update on her Instagram alongside nostalgic photos of her, her dad, older sister Maggie Hale, and stepmom Stacy.
"I can't believe I'm writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday," the 37-year-old wrote. "My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy—the love of his life."
© InstagramLucy continued: "He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in 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."
"And he unconditionally loved me and my sister. He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, and through it all was a deep soul bond," the caption went on. "Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect."
Lucy noted that her sister was visiting her in Los Angeles when they got the call that their dad died.
© Instagram"[Maggie] was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That's something only God and my dad could have orchestrated," the actress wrote. "I can't imagine receiving that call alone or walking through these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift."
The Hating Game actress concluded her post writing: "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."
Friends and fans of Lucy flooded the comments to share their condolences. Her Pretty Little Liars co-star Ashley Benson wrote: "I love you hunny" with several heart and praying hand emojis. Julianne Hough added: "Wrapping you and your family in love," while Lily Collins commented: "I'm sending my love and all the hugs possible. I'm so sorry."
© InstagramWhile Lucy didn't share the cause of her dad's death, an obituary for Preston explained his impressive life. He was raised by his grandparents in rural Tennessee and was shaped into a "kind and genuine man."
"To know Preston was to know someone who made people feel welcome," the obituary read. "He never met a stranger and had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease."
© InstagramBefore his early death, Lucy described how "humble" childhood forged by her father helped shape her point of view.
"My dad is a farmer, my mom is a nurse, and I feel really passionate about women and children," she told People. "I've been an actress for going on two decades, and I love what I do, but I've always had a dream of helping in a bigger way."
