Gabrielle Union is mourning the lack of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., who has died on the age of 81 following a battle with dementia. The 53-year-old actress announced the devastating news in an emotional social media tribute, remembering her dad as a “perfectly imperfect man and father” who brought joy to everyone around him.
Gabrielle Union Shares Heartbreaking Final Days Of Her Father
“Yesterday morning, my Dad, Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., passed away,” she wrote. “Irrespective of how much you’re thinking that about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your beloved.”
In her post, Union offered a raw take a look at how the disease steadily took hold, describing the heartbreaking progression she witnessed. “First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk,” she shared. “The them that gets smaller and smaller.”
She went on to explain holding onto hope for even the smallest signs of recognition. “You hold out hope for sustained eye contact or a smile; even a hand squeeze could make you’re feeling like they may come back to you ‘normal’ at any second,” she added. “It’s brutal… however it wasn’t who he was.”
Union Honors Dad As ‘Life Of Every Party’
Despite his battle, Union made it clear that her father’s legacy is defined by love, connection, and unforgettable energy. “He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet,” she wrote, describing him as someone who made it his mission to take care of others.
A lifelong Nebraska fan, he instilled in her values of teamwork, exertions, and compassion, all the time reminding her to look out for others first. Union also reflected on his vibrant personality, calling him “ALWAYS the lifetime of EVERY party,” and noting his love for music, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
Gabrielle Union Calls Sisters ‘Heroes’ In Emotional Tribute
The actress expressed deep gratitude to those that cared for her father in his final years, including medical staff and members of the family. “My sisters who stepped up are heroes,” she wrote. “I really like you each beyond words.”
Union also acknowledged the complex emotions that include loss after prolonged illness. “It’s bewildering to feel relief that the pain has ended, but profound heartbreak on the finality of his time,” she shared.
Dwyane Wade Honors Union’s Dad In Tribute
As she reflected on her father’s passing, Union also reached out to others going through similar grief. “I do know I’m not the primary or last Daddy’s girl to undergo this,” she wrote. “I’m sending love and healing to anyone suffering the lack of a parent.”
She ended her tribute with a heartfelt message, inviting those that knew her father to share their memories. La La Anthony wrote, “I’m so sorry Gab. Sending u all of the love and prayers. Pondering of u. Love you a lot,” while Viola Davis shared a deeply personal message, adding, “I can truthfully say that I do know the road… It challenges and cements all the pieces about love… A good looking tribute to an obviously great man.”
Others reflected on the impact Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr. had on their lives. Larry Sims commented, “Dad’s warm smile & gentle soul will ceaselessly stick with me,” while Jason Bolden recalled personal memories, highlighting the lasting impression he left behind.
Even brands and shut friends joined in, with Essence sharing heartfelt memories and inside jokes, writing, “Joy in abundance. We love you Pops. Sending heartfelt hugs and condolences to all the family.”
Union’s husband, Dwyane Wade, also honored her father by sharing the tribute video on his own social media. “Thanks for all of the memories pops [red heart emoji] you,” he wrote, echoing the family’s grief and appreciation for the life Sylvester lived.
Gabrielle Union Previously Opened Up About Father’s Dementia Journey
Gabrielle Union had been candid for years about her father’s battle with dementia, often sharing emotional updates as his condition progressed.
In 2023, she revealed that Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr. had been placed in memory care, describing the transition as incredibly difficult for his or her family. “This process has been extremely hard on our family, with a number of really painful chapters,” she wrote in a birthday tribute that November.
Still, there have been moments of sunshine amid the hardship. Union recalled a very emotional celebration wherein her father looked as if it would briefly return to himself. “Watching my party-loving, Crown-drinking, smart-a-s Dad return in full form for a number of hours… it was one of the best gift we could’ve all received,” she shared.