'A wonderful human': Tributes pour in as Jennifer Garner's father William dies 'peacefully' over Easter weekend at 85

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA: Jennifer Garner is mourning the death of her father William John Garner, at the age of 85.

Taking to her Instagram, the ‘Elektra’ actress shared the heartbreaking news with her 15.8 million followers. Soon, tributes started pouring in from different corners of Hollywood along with several fans.

The ‘13 Going On 30’ actress shared that her father “passed peacefully” on the afternoon of Saturday, March 30. Garner, however, kept her spirits up as she wrote the day was for “gratitude," per The Independent.

Jennifer Garner mourns her father

On Monday, April 1, Garner shared the news and wrote, “My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon.” She added that during her father’s passing, he was surrounded by his loved ones, including her. 

“We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away— valid question.), added the ‘Miracles from Heaven’ star.

Garner admitted, “While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.”

Nevertheless, the ‘Pearl Harbor’ star stated, “Today is for gratitude,” before remembering her father in her sweet tribute.

She continued, “We are grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanor and quiet strength. For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.”

On behalf of the Garner family, she also extended her “gratitude to the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope.”

She added, “Your care extended Dad’s life and gave him time to be in his favorite spots— surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved Aggies, captaining a boat, and— most of all—next to his wife of 59 years, our Mom.”

Adding a beautiful montage of photographs to her post, Garner gushed, “There is so much to say about my dad— my sisters and I will never be done talking about how wonderful he was, so bear with us— but for today I share these memories with my appreciation for the kind and brilliant man, father, and grandfather he was, as well as the loving legacy he left behind.”

Earlier in January, Garner - who is currently dating her businessman boyfriend John Miller - posted a congratulatory post as her parents celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. She wrote, "Happy 59th anniversary to my incredibly sweet and loving parents. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving my sisters and me such a secure, happy start to life."

Tributes pour in for Jennifer Garner's father

After the passing of Jennifer Garner's father, tributes poured in from Hollywood and fans alike. 

The Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon said, "My sweet friend ... sending you all my angels to help carry him home. 🕊️."

Writer and comedian Fortune Feimster commented, "Here’s to your dad. Thank you for sharing these sweet memories. Sending you so much love.."

"What a beautiful tribute to a very special person. Our hearts are with the Garner girls this week. ❤," commented Southern Living Magazine.

Chef and cookbook author Amanda K Haas chimed in, "Oh Jennifer, today I shed tears for you because you have clearly prioritized your beautiful family throughout your entire life. My heart aches a little because you lost someone so incredibly special, but also celebrates the comfort you must have in knowing what a precious and wonderful human being he was here on Earth. I am now singing to him as well! May he sneak up on you daily and remind you of his love for you. ☺️🙏🏼♥️♥️♥️." 

"So, so much love to you. He seems like an amazing man. ❤," wrote 'Two and a Half Men' star Melanie Lynskey.

Social media star and librarian Mychal Threets chimed in,"What a human! ✨ Sending so much healing and love to you and your family ❤️‍🩹."

"I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. What a guy. ❤," wrote supermodel Christy Turlington.

Ballet dancer and choreographer James B Whiteside mourned, "I’m so happy you were with him. What a beautiful thing. Sending love and hugs. ❤"

Journalist and talk show host Leeza Gibbons sent love by saying, "What a beautiful relationship with your precious dad. Sending you strength and support!"

'One Tree Hill' star Jana Kramer said, "Sending prayers ❤."

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