Chrissy Teigen Shares Heartbreaking Tribute After Sudden Death Of Her Father Ron
Chrissy Teigen has shared the devastating news that her father, Ron, has died suddenly, telling fans in an emotional tribute that she “woke up with a dad and went to bed without one”.
The 40-year-old model and television personality posted a deeply personal message on Instagram, describing how an ordinary day was shattered by the unexpected loss of her father.
Alongside a video of Ron speaking about raising her in the Pacific Northwest, Chrissy reflected on the suddenness of the tragedy and the shock of losing a parent without warning.
She wrote that everything had felt normal at first — a quick shower, tidying up after the dogs, replying to emails, laughing with friends and getting dressed for a birthday celebration.
“And then my dad suddenly died,” she added.
Chrissy admitted that although she had spent years thinking about the possibility of losing him, nothing could have prepared her for the reality of the moment.
She explained that because Ron had been an older father, she had often imagined the phone call and believed she might somehow be ready when the time came.
But when it happened, she said, she was completely overwhelmed by grief.
The mother-of-four, who shares Luna, Miles, Esti and Wren with husband John Legend, revealed that she had written Ron a letter months before his death, telling him how much she loved and appreciated him.
In a moving Instagram Stories clip, Ron could be seen sitting in an armchair reading the letter while Chrissy played nearby with one of her children.
The post also offered fans a tender glimpse into Ron’s personality, with Chrissy describing him as a man who famously disliked almost everything — except bass guitars, swing dancing, wood carving, animals, YouTube and his family.
She said she had hundreds of videos of her father complaining about things he did not do, watch or eat, adding that those memories now brought her comfort.
“God, I love you so much, Dad,” she wrote. “I will talk to you every night. Thank you for being a wonderful father.”
She ended the tribute with a bittersweet line: “Until we complain again.”
John Legend also paid tribute in the comments, writing that the family loved “Papa Ron” deeply.
The singer said he was grateful Ron had been able to spend so much time with his grandchildren, adding that he loved seeing him beam with pride over the family he had created.
Following the loss, John reportedly cancelled concerts in New Mexico and Arizona to be at home with Chrissy and their children.
Ron had been married to Chrissy’s mother, Vilailuck, affectionately known as Pepper, for 35 years before the couple divorced in 2019.
Pepper now lives in her native Thailand, while Ron had been living in a nursing home near Chrissy and John’s Los Angeles residence.
Chrissy’s tribute has since been met with an outpouring of sympathy from fans, many of whom praised her honesty in sharing such a raw and painful moment.
For the star, the post was not only a farewell to her father, but a celebration of the humour, love and everyday memories that made him such an important figure in her life.
