Gabrielle Union has been navigating a profound personal loss following the death of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., who passed away on April 3 at the age of 81. He had been diagnosed with dementia and spent his final years in memory care, a journey that Union has been candid about, sharing her reflections on social media and in interviews.
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At the recent Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Gala held on April 16, Union revealed how pivotal her husband, Dwyane Wade, has been during this challenging time. Speaking to PEOPLE, the actress described her father’s close relationship with Wade, noting, “You know, my dad and my husband were very, very close, and I don’t know, we just go through pictures and reminisce.” She appreciated Wade’s steady presence, saying he has been there for her when she finds herself overwhelmed with grief.
Cully’s battle with dementia had been particularly hard for Union and her family. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, she articulated the pain of watching a loved one gradually succumb to such a debilitating condition. “No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one,” she shared. She described the toll this took, lamenting how the essence of the person diminishes over time, saying, “The them that you know gets smaller and smaller.”
Union fondly remembered her father as the “life of the party,” a man who adored music, travel, and spending quality time with loved ones. “He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet,” she said. Cully was a devoted supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, instilling in his children the value of teamwork and hard work. Union reflected on her father’s capacity for humility, stating he was a “perfectly imperfect man” who took responsibility for his mistakes and sought reconciliation.
In a poignant social media post last October, Gabrielle celebrated Cully’s 81st birthday, expressing deep gratitude for being his daughter. She shared how he recognized them when she and Wade surprised him at his bedside, recalling how his face lit up in their presence. “He still chuckles when his grandsons bag on him. He’s still here and that’s enough,” she reminisced, highlighting the moments of joy amid the sadness.
Union has not only faced emotional challenges but also practical ones, as she discussed during the American Black Film Festival in June 2025. She addressed the financial implications of her father’s care, noting the exorbitant costs associated with nursing facilities and home health aides. “I have to go where the money goes,” Union stated, explaining how this has made her more selective about the acting roles she accepts.
Her candid remarks shed light on the financial realities faced by many in the entertainment industry. “We don’t get paid what y’all think we get paid, and that check is split so many ways,” she explained, emphasising the necessity of multiple income streams to sustain themselves and their families. This reality has influenced her career decisions, making her mindful of the roles she chooses to pursue.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade’s relationship began in 2007 when they were introduced at a Super Bowl party, which was amusingly marked by their contrasting sides of the room—Wade “holding Bible study” while Union socialised. They eventually began dating in 2009, went public in 2010, and tied the knot in a close-knit ceremony in Miami in August 2014. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kaavia James, via surrogacy in 2018. In addition to their daughter, Union embraces her role as stepmother to Wade’s children from previous relationships: Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier.
Amidst the sorrow of her father’s passing, Union has found solace and strength in her familial ties. With Wade’s unwavering support and their shared commitment to family, she continues to honour her father’s legacy while navigating the complexities of grief. The love and memories they built serve as a foundation for healing, a sentiment she cherishes deeply in her heart during this difficult time.