Harry Connick Jr.; Harry Connick Sr.Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty, Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty
Frazer Harrison/Getty, Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty
Harry Connick Jr. spoke about his father Harry Connick Sr. in a touching tribute for the first time since the older man died at the age of 97.
In a video posted to his Instagram, Connick Jr., 56, admitted he was “heartbroken” over his father’s death last week. He said, “My dad was my best friend and my hero. And even though he was 97 years old, it’s still hard to believe that he’s gone.”
Expressing gratitude for the condolences paid to him, Connick Jr. continued, “Something that really helped me get through it was hearing from all of y’all. I got so many posts. I haven’t gotten the chance to go through them all.”
“Knowing that y’all care and that you took the time to reach out and express your condolences to me and my family was so helpful and uplifting. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks, and I love y’all so much. My dad loved you, and I’m so appreciative of all of the love. Thank y’all very much,” he concluded.
Connick Jr. wrote in the video’s caption, “i will miss him dearly, but i know he is at peace and with God now.” He reiterated that he is “deeply grateful” and his “heart is full” from the support his family has received.
Harry Sr. was the district attorney in New Orleans for three decades from 1973-2003. He ran for the position many times and was undefeated upon his retirement,according to the Associated Press.
Harry Connick, Sr.; Harry Connick, Jr.Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock; Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock; Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Connick Jr. last posted about his dadon Instagram in November. “Hangin' with my dad - my FAVORITE thing in the world!,” the singer captioned a selfie of the pair, featuring Harry Sr. in a multicolored robe with a smile on his face. Connick Jr wore a black t-shirt and the duo donned matching New Orleans Saints hats to rep their favorite football team.
“I come to see him about once a month in new orleans and it’s still not enough! at 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration… i love you sooooo much, dad!!!” his caption concluded.
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Connick Sr. served in the Navy during World War II. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree at Loyola University and owned record stores while he was pursuing further law degrees around the time his children were born, according to theNew OrleansTimes-Picayune.
He passed on a love of music to his son and they founded the musically-focused organization theKrewe of Orpheustogether. Per theTimes-Picayune, Harry Sr. was musically inclined like his Grammy-winning son and occasionally preformed in New Orleans jazz clubs.
source: people.com
