Ryan Seacrest’s father Gary was a military man and a major figure in his son’s life.

The Wheel of Fortune host announced the tragic news of his dad’s passing following a brave battle with prostate cancer on October 31, 2025.

Ryan Seacrest and family celebrating a birthday with a cake.
Ryan shared touching pictures when announcing his father’s deathCredit: Instagram/ryanseacrest
 

Ryan Seacrest and his father preparing food in a kitchen.
Gary sadly passed away at the age of 79Credit: Instagram/@ryanseacrest
Ryan Seacrest wrote on Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week.

“My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering.

“We are heartbroken.

“He was a devoted husband for 56 years, an incredible Papa to Flora, and my best friend.”

He concluded with, “Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you. Ryan.”

Who was Ryan Seacrest’s dad Gary?

Gary Seacrest was born in July 1946.

He was married to his wife Constance – Ryan’s mom – for more than 55 years.

The couple tied the knot in February 1970.

Seacrest siblings

Together they raised Ryan and his younger sister Meredith, who works for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

The close-knit family has often been seen supporting one another at the foundation’s charitable causes.

Ryan has spoken of the strong work ethic and discipline his parents instilled in him growing up and celebrated both on social media for their lifelong partnership.

He took to Facebook earlier in 2025 to write: Happy #FathersDay to the man who’s shaped who I am, who taught me how to work hard and stay grounded. Love you, Dad.

Career

Gary served as a lieutenant in the US Army and came from a family with a strong military background.

His grandad Henry Gene Skeen was also a major general.

Happy #FathersDay to the man who’s shaped who I am, who taught me how to work hard and stay grounded. Love you, Dad

Ryan Seacrest, Facebook

Gary was part of special troops assigned to intelligence work during his time, including a post at the Berlin Wall crossing point Checkpoint Charlie during the Cold War.

After his military service, Gary attended law school and went on to practice law for about 40 years, focusing on personal injury and general practice.

He also became a successful real estate lawyer.

Gary also served as the President of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a charity focused on building broadcast media centers within pediatric hospitals.

Cancer battle

Ryan revealed in a 2021 Instagram post that his dad had been “battling cancer for several years”.

Ryan Seacrest, Meredith Seacrest Leach, and a child holding "The Make-Believers" book.
Ryan Seacrest with younger sister Meredith Seacrest Leach and niece Flora Marie LeachCredit: instagram/ryanseacrest
While they then thought that the cancer was “no longer detectable”, later in July he said his father’s cancer “got worse and it spread”.

Ryan said at the time: “It’s a hard thing to see, because the treatments that are commonly recommended can be barbaric to the system.

“They can cause so much damage to your body in other ways.”

His sister Meredith called him live on American Idol earlier in 2025 to say their dad had been admitted to the ICU.

After he finished filming, he flew to Atlanta to go straight to the hospital.

Ryan said: “The night that I got there, the conversation they were having with [my father] about an emergency surgery was a life or death conversation.

“And I’ve never seen my strong, very smart father with the look on his face that he had.