On July 9, Oprah posted on Instagram to express her sorrow about the passing of her 88-year-old father. Vernon had been ailing for some time, but the exact cause of death is currently unknown.
The 68-year-old media billionaire honoured her father by sharing the footage of the Fourth of July surprise party she hosted for him. Oprah sent a touching Instagram message in which she revealed that her father passed away on Friday, July 8, “with family at his bedside.”
Oprah wrote:
“Vernon Winfrey 1933-2022
Less than a week ago we honoured my father in his own backyard. My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps saluted him with song. He FELT the love and revelled in it until he could no longer speak. Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath. We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing.
“That Peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”
Oprah said earlier this week that she gave her father a special get-together with his closest relatives and friends as a surprise. Oprah told her fans in a video she shared on Instagram that was recorded by her closest friend Gayle King that she wanted to be able to honor her ailing father while he was still able to enjoy it.
The famous TV host was seen on video as she stood in front of a sign that said, “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day,” saying, “So, I’ve been planning a backyard Barbecue that’s actually more than a backyard barbecue, it’s for Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day.”
Being the owner of Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop and being on the council for 16 years, Vernon was well known in Nashville. Vernita Lee, Oprah’s mother, passed away in 2018 at the age of 83.
