The well-known talk show star Oprah Winfrey shared news of her father Vernon’s passing on social media on Saturday.
The latter passed away this past Friday at the age of 88, a week after his family had a ceremony to commemorate his life. On July 4th, Oprah Winfrey shared a video of herself throwing a party in her father’s lawn as a surprise for him.
Although it is obvious that Vernon had been ailing for some time, the exact reason for his death is yet unknown. Oprah shared a video of her father from the unexpected gathering as he sits and enjoys Wintley Phipps’ melodic performance in her Instagram announcement.
Oprah Winfrey Lost Her Mother Just 4 Years Ago
Oprah Winfrey posted a letter along with Vernon’s video saying, “We paid tribute to my father in his own garden less than a week ago. Wintley Phipps, a gospel musician, and friend of mine sang a song in his honor. He reveled in the love and felt it till he was unable to speak.”
“Yesterday I had the holy privilege of seeing the man responsible for my life, breathe his final breath,” she said, “with family around his bedside.” Oprah continued by saying, “At his passing, we felt Peace fill the space. That state of peace endures. It is all good. We appreciate your prayers and kind words.” Vernon was a Nashville-based businessman and barber, for those who are unaware. For more than 50 years, he was the proprietor of Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop. Oprah lost her father four years after losing her mother Vernita Lee, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 83.
