Gabrielle Union’s Dad, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., Dead at 81

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Gabrielle Union is in mourning following a heartbreaking loss.

Actress Raven-Symoné’s father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., died on April 3rd after a long struggle with dementia. He was 81 years old.

Gabrielle, 53, shared on Instagram that living with the disease felt like a gradual fading away, and emphasized that while it affected her father, it didn’t define him as a person.

She shared that while she felt relief her father’s pain was over, she was deeply saddened by the realization he was truly gone. Acknowledging this experience is common for daughters, she sent love and support to anyone grieving the loss of a parent, and expressed her belief that his love would always remain with her.

Gabrielle shared a collection of cherished memories of her father, Sylvester, describing him as the heart of every gathering. She noted he was loved by everyone he met and was always generous with his affection.

She continued, saying he had a gift for instantly connecting with people – he didn’t see strangers, only future friends. A devoted Nebraska football fan his entire life, he instilled in her the importance of teamwork, hard work, and always supporting those who need help, because a team is only as strong as its weakest member.

The actress, known for her role in Bring It On, admitted her father wasn’t perfect, but she praised his commitment to personal growth and becoming a better parent.

She explained that over the years, he grew as a person, admitted his flaws, and sincerely apologized for any pain he caused, giving people the time they needed to recover. He always prioritized caring for others and loved their friends as if they were his own children, ensuring no one felt ignored or forgotten.

Gabrielle’s husband, Dwyane Wade, also honored her father, reposting her message on Instagram and writing, “Thank you for all the memories, pops. I love you.”

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2026-04-05 21:17