Model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen is grieving the unexpected loss of her father, Ron Teigen Sr., who sadly passed away on June 10. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Teigen expressed her profound sorrow and reminisced about their close bond, reflecting on the significant impact her father had on her life.
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In an emotional post on Instagram, Teigen recounted the last day she spent with her father, highlighting the mundane activities that marked the beginning of that fateful day. She wrote poignantly, “Yesterday I woke up with a daddy and went to bed without one.” Her narrative captured the shock and disbelief that can accompany sudden loss, describing the ordinary moments that soon turned to tragedy.
Teigen elaborated on her feelings of unpreparedness for the event, having always regarded her father as an “old dad.” In her grief, she revealed how she fell “to the ground” when faced with the reality of her father’s death, a testament to the deep emotional connection they shared. Accompanying her tribute was a video of Ron playfully discussing salmon at a dinner table, which provided a glimpse into his character and their shared memories.
In the days that followed, Teigen continued to honour her father. On June 16, she shared a poignant image on her Instagram Stories, depicting what appeared to be preparations for her father’s funeral. In the photo, Teigen is surrounded by her husband, singer John Legend, and their daughter, Luna. All three are dressed in black, looking towards Ron’s wooden coffin, adorned with pink and purple floral arrangements. A framed photograph of her father rests atop the coffin, symbolising the love and respect the family holds for him.
John Legend, who frequently shares a close bond with his father-in-law, was moved by Ron’s passing and offered his condolences via a post on Instagram. He expressed gratitude for the moments Ron spent with their family, particularly as a grandfather to their children. In a touching comment, he wrote, “I’m so glad you got to spend so much time with your grandbabies. I loved seeing you beam with pride at the beautiful family you helped create.”
Ron Teigen Sr. was not just known as Chrissy’s father, but also attracted media attention in 2018 when he proudly sported a tattoo of his daughter’s face on his arm to commemorate her birthday. However, in 2019, it emerged that he and Chrissy’s mother, Vilailuck “Pepper” Teigen, had filed for divorce, a development that nonetheless did not overshadow the love that Ron had for his family.
As Teigen navigates the mourning process, she continues to share her reflections on her father’s life and the influence he had on her. Through her posts, she has highlighted the importance of cherishing family bonds and holding onto the cherished moments that provide lasting memories.
In her touching tribute, she closed with a heartfelt note directed at her father: “God, I love you so much. I will talk to you every night. Thank you for being such a great dad. Until we complain again.” These words encapsulate the bittersweet nature of grief—the pain of loss intertwined with the warmth of cherished memories.
Chrissy Teigen’s poignant posts resonate deeply with many who have experienced similar losses, serving as a reminder of the universal challenge of saying goodbye to loved ones. As she honours her father’s memory, she invites others to reflect on their own relationships and the lasting impacts of those we hold dear.