'What a beautiful tribute': Fans emotional as Patrick O'Neal shares moving homage to Ryan O'Neal, pledges to care for dad's pet dogs

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Patrick O'Neal, in a recent heartfelt gesture, paid an emotional homage to his father, the esteemed actor Ryan O'Neal.

The touching tribute has elicited several responses from fans, who have praised it as a "beautiful tribute".

In his tribute, Patrick made a touching commitment to care for his father's cherished pet dogs, a move that has endeared him even more to his fans and followers.

Patrick O'Neal's heartfelt tribute to father to Ryan O'Neal

The son of the Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O'Neal reportedly confirmed his father's death on Friday, December 8.

The beloved star of the 1970s film 'Love Story' reportedly died in the presence of his family and close ones, following a battle with leukemia and other health complications.

Ryan O'Neal leaves behind two pet dogs, whom Patrick has pledged to care for, as per reports from RadarOnline.com.

Patrick expressed his feelings on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "And I thought I was sad until I saw his loving dogs. I’m going to make sure they are going to [be] ok. He’d want that more than anything. Breaks my heart."

He also posted a picture of two short dogs with white fur. One dog, with a sorrowful expression, is gazing straight into the camera, while the other smaller one is looking elsewhere, set against the backdrop of the photo.

'I will share my father’s legacy forever'

"Ryan was a very generous man who has always been there to help his loved ones for decade upon decade. Those same people are heartbroken today and will be for a long time," Patrick's message read. 

The post went on to express gratitude towards a host of family members and dear ones who stood by the actor.

"My everlasting thanks to his team. Our team. Marly you are so special to Ryan. You have been with our family for 39 years. Needed you every day," the post continued.

"Greg and Melanie thank you for your care and friendship with my dad. I’m so sorry. Hart having you with me by my side was so important for me. And you. Alexandra. You are a true champion. Thank you so much. You are family. Dr. Piro thank you for your love and care for my father. You have quite a history together," he stated.

He added, "There are many many many others who my father touched. And who love him. This is just so hard for us. Ryan made such an impact and this will be difficult without him. This is and will be a huge void in our lives."

"And his dogs Mozart and Raven, who he loved dearly, are missing him very much. They were inseparable. I will share my father’s legacy forever," Patrick said.

In the end, he said, "No one told a story better than Ryan O’Neal. 4/20/41 ~ 12/8/2023." 

In a separate post, Patrick shared an image of dolphins swimming and said, "My dad always loved his dolphin friends. This morning they all showed up to say goodbye."

Fans called it a 'beautiful tribute'

One fan commented, "I’m so sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful and fitting tribute about your father."

Another said, "What a beautiful tribute written by a loving son. I am so sorry for your loss, Patrick."

"Beautiful Tribute for your Dad .. he was an ICON in this world and Loved and Cherished by many, condolences to you and all of your family at this difficult time ❤️" commented another. 

"Beautiful words, Patrick ❤️ You were so lucky to have such a wonderful father. My condolences to you and your family! 🙏🏼" noted another user. 

"❤️ beautifully written ❤️ Ryan loved you so much! We’ll honor his legacy forever. I love you! 😘" mentioned another follower. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.