“We’re All Heartbroken”: Vanna White Comforts Ryan Seacrest After His Father’s Death in an Emotional Show of Support
When the lights dimmed on Wheel of Fortune this week, it wasn’t just another episode—it was a moment of quiet compassion. Vanna White, the beloved co-host who’s spent over four decades turning letters and winning hearts, reached out publicly and privately to comfort her friend and new co-star, Ryan Seacrest, after the devastating loss of his father, Gary Lee Seacrest.
Gary, 79, passed away earlier this week following a long battle with cancer. Ryan confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram post, writing, “With a heavy heart, I share that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week. My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he’s in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken.” The post was accompanied by a series of tender family photos, including one of Ryan holding his father’s hand during happier times.
Within hours, messages of love and condolences poured in from fans and celebrities alike—but one of the most heartfelt came from Vanna White. The game show legend, who recently began filming the new season of Wheel of Fortune alongside Seacrest after Pat Sajak’s retirement, posted her own tribute on social media and reportedly spent time comforting Ryan behind the scenes.
“My heart aches for you, Ryan,” Vanna wrote beneath his post. “Your father raised an incredible man, and his love will always live through you. Sending all my love to you and your family.”
According to production sources, the Wheel of Fortune team observed a moment of silence during rehearsal in honor of Gary Seacrest, and Vanna was seen embracing Ryan before cameras rolled. “She’s been like a big sister to him,” one insider shared. “They’ve developed a really genuine bond in the short time they’ve worked together. She knows exactly how it feels to lose someone close, and she’s been nothing but supportive.”
For Vanna, loss is something deeply familiar. In past interviews, she’s spoken openly about the grief of losing her fiancé, John Gibson, in a tragic plane crash in 1986, and her father, Herbert White Jr., in 2022. “Grief never really leaves you,” she once said. “It changes shape, but the love stays.” Those words, now echoed in her support for Ryan, reflect the compassion she’s known for both on and off screen.
Ryan, who officially joined Wheel of Fortune earlier this year, has often described his family as his grounding force. “My dad was my best friend,” he said in a previous interview. “He taught me everything about kindness, humility, and hard work.” During Thursday’s taping, audience members noticed Seacrest’s usually radiant smile was softer, more reflective—but his professionalism never wavered.
“Ryan insisted on coming in to work,” a source told Daily Mail. “He said his dad would have wanted him to keep going, to bring joy to people’s living rooms. But everyone could feel the weight he was carrying.”
Fans watching from home have flooded social media with messages of sympathy. “Sending so much love to Ryan,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve watched him for years, and he’s always there for others—now it’s our turn to be there for him.”
As the Wheel keeps turning, both Vanna and Ryan have reminded viewers of something timeless: that even in moments of heartbreak, connection and kindness can light the way.
In a brief closing note on his Instagram Story Friday night, Ryan thanked his colleagues and fans for their support. “The love and messages mean more than I can say,” he wrote. “Dad would have smiled knowing how many hearts he touched.”
And, as Vanna so simply put it: “He’ll always be with you, Ryan—every time you smile, every time you make someone else’s day just a little brighter.”
