UPDATE
9:39 AM PT – Oprah has just released a poignant tribute to her late father – a video of the party she organized for him on July 4 showing a friend, gospel singer Wintley Phipps, shaking hands on Vernon’s shoulder as he prayed. for God to be by Vernon’s side “as he walks toward the light.”
UPDATE
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UPDATE
He subtitled the video with “Vernon Winfrey 1933-2022” … and added that his father “FEELED love and reveled in him until he could no longer speak. Yesterday, with the family around the his bed, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath. We could feel Peace coming into the room as his step. “
Oprah is mourning the death of her father, Vernon Winfrey, who has died after battling cancer.
One of Vernon’s longtime employees confirmed to TMZ that he died Friday night in East Nashville, TN. A local councilor first broke the news at the Nashville WKRN.
In what now appears to be a foresighted move, Oprah had just gone to town last weekend to celebrate her father.
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He surprised him by organizing a day of appreciation for Vernon Winfrey on July 4 … giving the community a chance to thank Vernon for his service as a longtime former councilor and local businessman.
As Oprah said, “My dad is sick, so we wanted all of his friends to come celebrate him so he can receive the joy. So that’s what we’re doing.”
Vernon was sitting, properly, in a barber chair in the middle of the backyard barbecue … while his friends and family celebrated.
He had owned and operated Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop for over 50 years, and was loved by the community. One of his employees told us, “[Vernon] I would give you the shirt on your back. “
Vernon’s daughter was not shy of the pride she was in him, and has celebrated her successes for a long time.
When she had her daily talk show, Oprah brought her cameras back to visit her father at her establishment.
Prior to Monday’s celebration, it was obvious how excited he was to plan the event.
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Oprah said she was “going back to my Nashville roots” while posting several videos and photos with family members preparing for the barbecue.
You may remember … her mother, Vernita Lee, died in 2018 at the age of 83.
Speaking of her father earlier this week, Oprah said she wanted to make sure she gave him her flowers while she was still here, and that she couldn’t have done better.
Vernon was 88 years old.
REST IN PEACE
Originally Posted – 9:09 AM PT