Ryan Seacrest’s Dad Battled Cancer Twice
In July 2025, Ryan Seacrest took time on his On Air With Ryan Seacrest radio show to reveal that his beloved father, Gary Seacrest, was battling cancer. However, it wasn’t the first time Gary had been battling the awful disease.
On September 22, 2021, Seacrest and his family celebrated that Gary was cancer-free after being diagnosed with cancer several years prior.
In July 2025, Seacrest opened up about his dad’s health, saying that while undergoing chemotherapy, he developed pneumonia. After the American Idol host got a call in the middle of a live show from his sister, Meredith, telling him that their dad was in the ICU and that he needed to get back home.
He flew to Atlanta, Georgia as soon as the show was over and the doctors told him and the family that Gary needed surgery.
“The night that I got there, the conversation they were having with [his dad] about an emergency surgery was a life or death conversation, and I’ve never seen my strong, very smart father with the look on his face that he had…and the concern, and looking at me to help guide what decisions should be made in this moment,” an emotional Ryan shared on the air.
He revealed his father chose not to have the surgery and went home, but still needed full time care.
Ryan continued, “When you see a parent suffering, and when you see them going through this, and you don’t understand it yourself, you’re just listening to all the different doctors and trying to make sense of what they’re trying to suggest and do. I didn’t want to miss trying to understand who these people were that were taking care of my father.”
Seacrest revealed in the broadcast that he goes back to Atlanta every weekend to see his father.
Seacrest Mourns The Loss Of His Father
In a social media post on Friday (October 31), Seacrest revealed Gary had passed away earlier this week. The TV host shared several photos of the family together, along with one photo of him and his dad from childhood.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week. My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken,” he wrote. “He was a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend.”
He ended the post with a message to his father: “Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.”
Our hearts are with Ryan and his family as they navigate this loss. See Ryan’s post below.