Ryan Seacrest shared a heartfelt tribute to his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, reflecting on their final moments together before his passing. During the October 31, 2023, episode of his podcast, *On Air with Ryan Seacrest*, Ryan recounted the intimate farewell he, his mother Constance Marie Zullinger, and his sister Meredith Seacrest had with Gary, who died following a long battle with prostate cancer.
“It’s so vivid in my mind,” Ryan stated, recalling his father’s last words. Gary, with limited strength, expressed his love and concern for his family. He urged Ryan to “take care of your mom” and reminded Meredith and her husband, Jimmy Leach, to “take care of Flora,” his granddaughter. Just moments later, Gary peacefully closed his eyes and said, “I’ve got to go.” Ryan emphasized that his father seemed at peace in those final moments.
Over the last few days of Gary’s life, Ryan remained by his father’s bedside. “My mother was by his bedside, my sister by his bedside,” he said. “We held his hand, we kissed his forehead, we watched every last moment with our father, my mom’s husband of fifty-six years.” He described the experience as a mix of profound sadness and helplessness, highlighting the emotional complexity of saying goodbye.
Gary’s legacy was central to Ryan’s reflections. He painted a picture of a man who cherished family, often advocating for family dinners where everyone could connect. “He always wanted us to have dinner together so we could talk, and he would show up—he would show up,” Ryan recalled.
The bond between Ryan and his father extended beyond family gatherings. Ryan expressed how Gary took great pride in his marriage of fifty-six years and his children’s accomplishments. “He was proud of my sister, who was proud of her family. He was proud of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation,” Ryan noted, mentioning that Gary played a significant role in its operations for nearly two decades.
Ryan described his father as “the ultimate gentleman,” someone who treated his mother with utmost respect. He fondly remembered how Gary would stand on the street side whenever they walked together.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Ryan encapsulated his feelings, stating, “He was a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend.”
The Seacrest family has shared many cherished moments together, including family dinners and trips that highlight their close-knit relationships. Ryan frequently reminisces about their time together, often sharing memories on social media. In a birthday tribute to Meredith in October 2025, he expressed gratitude for their shared experiences, posting a baby photo that showcased their bond.
Born and raised in Dunwoody, Georgia, Ryan and Meredith were nurtured by their parents’ strong values. They often participated in family-oriented events, such as the grand opening of Seacrest Studios at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2014, where they engaged in philanthropic efforts to benefit children and families.
Ryan’s relationship with his father influenced his life significantly, shaping him into the person he is today. In a Father’s Day post from 2025, Ryan reflected on how Gary molded his character and values, expressing, “Love you, Dad.”
As Ryan continues to honor his father’s memory, he remains an active presence in the entertainment industry, hosting shows like *American Idol* and sharing the lessons of love and family that Gary instilled in him. The legacy of Gary Lee Seacrest lives on through his family, reminding them of the importance of connection and support in life’s journey.
