Lucy Hale is mourning the sudden loss of her father, Preston Hale, while finding comfort in the “beautiful” final moments they shared. The “Pretty Little Liars” alum announced on Monday that her father died unexpectedly on July 17 at age 68. Although Lucy Hale did not disclose his cause of death, she reflected on their evolving relationship, his unconditional love, and the final phone call she now considers a meaningful gift.
Hale shared the devastating news on Instagram alongside a collection of family photographs and videos.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday,” the 37-year-old actress wrote. “My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind,” she continued. “He adored his family, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy, the love of his life.”
Preston spent much of his life working in farming and the cotton industry, something his daughter said made him immensely proud. “He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown of Milan, Tennessee,” Hale wrote. “A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him Bass Pro Shop gift cards.”
The Actress Treasures Their Final Conversation
Hale acknowledged that her relationship with her father changed over the years, but said the connection between them remained strong. “And he unconditionally loved me and my sister,” she wrote. “He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, but through it all was a deep soul bond. Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect.”
The actress did not disclose what they discussed during that final conversation. However, her words suggest she has found some comfort in knowing their last interactions were filled with love rather than unresolved conflict.
Hale’s older sister, Maggie Clarke Lewis, happened to be visiting her in Los Angeles when they received the news of their father’s death. “My sister happened to be in town visiting me in Los Angeles, which is rare, when we got the call,” she explained. “She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated.”
“I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through those first surreal days by myself,” Hale continued. “I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”
Lucy Hale Finds Comfort In Her Spirituality
Hale said her spiritual beliefs have helped her process the sudden loss. “My spirituality and my beliefs are bringing me so much comfort right now,” she wrote. “I know my dad isn’t gone, he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh.”
The actress concluded her tribute by thanking Preston for the influence he had on her life. “You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others,” she said.
“Watch over us. Rest easy,” Hale added before asking followers to pray for her stepmother “as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”
Preston Hale Leaves Behind A Farming Legacy
According to Preston’s official obituary, he was born in Milan, Tennessee, on May 5, 1958, and was raised by his grandparents, O.P. and Doris Hale. His family said farming was “in his blood.” Preston worked on his family’s farm before attending Memphis Cotton School, which led to a 20-year career in corporate cotton management with Dunavant Cotton.
He later returned to Milan and spent another 17 years working with Shoaf Farms. Altogether, his career in cotton management and farming spanned approximately 37 years.
Outside work, Preston enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, dancing, and listening to music. He belonged to the Milan Country Club and served on its board. “In 2008, he married the love of his life, Stacy,” the obituary stated. The couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary just two days before his death.
Preston is survived by Stacy, daughters Lucy and Maggie, stepdaughters Lindsay, Rachel, and Meredith, and nine grandchildren. His funeral was scheduled to take place in his hometown of Milan, Tennessee. “To know Preston was to know someone who made people feel welcome,” his obituary read. “He never met a stranger and had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease.”
Hollywood Rallies Around The ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star
Hale’s tribute received an outpouring of support from friends, former co-stars, and other members of the entertainment industry. “Pretty Little Liars” creator I. Marlene King offered her condolences, as did Hale’s former castmates Ashley Benson, Janel Parrish, and Nicholas Gonzalez.
The loss comes only months after Hale discussed how her father’s demanding career inspired her humanitarian work. While speaking about becoming a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Program, Hale described the effort required to produce a successful crop.
“My dad is a farmer, my mom is a nurse, and I feel really passionate about women and children,” she previously told PEOPLE. “I’ve been an actress for going on two decades, and I love what I do, but I’ve always had a dream of helping in a bigger way.”
