Lucy Hale Mourns 'Sudden Passing' Of Father - And Reveals His Heartbreaking 'Parting Gift' To Her

Lucy Hale‘s father, Preston Hale, has sadly passed away.

The Pretty Little Liars alum shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram on Monday while uploading a carousel of family photos. She reflected:

“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday.”

According to his obituary, he was 68. So very sad.

The Memphis, Tennessee born-and-raised actress went on to reflect:

“My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy — the love of his life. He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in Milan, Tennessee. A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him bass pro shop gift cards.”

Awww. For those unaware, the largest Bass Pro Shop in the world is located at the iconic Memphis Pyramid — a 20-30 minute drive from where Preston raised Lucy and her sister.

She continued:

“And he unconditionally loved me and my sister. He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, and through it all was a deep soul bond. Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect.”

We’re so, so glad she had such lovely final moments with him!

Lucy is also deeply grateful that her sister Maggie was visiting her when they found out the devastating news:

“My sister Maggie happened to be in town visiting me in LA when we got the call. She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated. I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”

The 37-year-old continued:

“My spirituality and my beliefs are bringing me comfort right now. I know my dad isn’t gone — he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh.

You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others.

Watch over us. Rest easy

And please say a prayer for my step mom Stacy as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”