Sophie Grégoire Trudeau says her dad, Jean, has died at 81: 'I'll always feel your hand holding mine'
The retired Canadian TV host explained she needed to grieve in private, "away from the outside noise."
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is mourning her late father. The 49-year-old retired Canadian TV host took to Instagram on Saturday to share a life update with people, noting her 81-year-old dad, Jean, died earlier this month. In her post, she added three older photos of herself as a kid with her father.
"I needed to begin my grieving journey away from the outside noise and into the deepest beat of my own heart," she wrote in the caption to her post, adding she knows she hasn't posted online in a while. "My dad, Jean, passed away on Aug. 7 at 81 years old. I held his hand, whispered in his ear how much I loved him and that he deserved his long sleep."
She added she feels closer to him than ever, which a close friend who also recently lost a parent had told her she'd likely experience: "He gave enough love, courage and a wicked sense of humour to navigate through this pain and I’ll always hear the echoes of his voice saying:,'"Go Soph, you can do it!' I love you and I’ll always feel your hand holding mine."
In the comments section of her post, people expressed their sympathy and condolences. Others shared uplifting words to help support Grégoire Trudeau.
"My heart is with you, dear Sophie. May your dad’s memory be a blessing. He’ll be with you. Now in magical new ways," Canadian television personality Jeanne Beker commented.
"So sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength to you and your family to help you get through this difficult time," someone added.
"I am sorry for your loss. My heart is with you guys. Be strong," someone else replied.
"Beautiful Sophie. I have felt this pain. It doesn't go away but it changes to a companion that you have with you. Take care," one person wrote.
Grégoire Trudeau has been navigating a post-political life since she split with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which they announced in August 2023 after 18 years of marriage. She told CBC's "The Current" earlier this year you "don't have to slay a relationship in order to restructure it."
"We are still bound by respect and love, and we have each other's backs and minds and hearts. ... Sometimes it gets messy, like, you know, in all family life," she added. "And it should be, because it kind of makes us appreciate the better times."
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