Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah Winfrey, dies at 89

Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah Winfrey and former member of the Metro Nashville Council, died Friday after a recent illness. He was 89.

Oprah Winfrey has confirmed her father's death through a statement on Instagram, sharing a recent video of Vernon Winfrey at an Independence Day backyard barbecue held in her home. own residence. Alongside his friends and family, Vernon was greeted by gospel singer Wintley Phipps, who performed a song to him.

"Less than a week ago, we honored my father in his own backyard," Oprah Winfrey shared. "My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps greeted him with a song. He FELT the love and reveled in it until he couldn't speak."

"Yesterday, with my family around his bedside, I had the sacred honor of seeing the man responsible for my life breathe his last," Winfrey continued. “We could feel peace entering the room as he passed. This peace remains forever. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts."

Last week, Oprah Winfrey said she was in Nashville, Tennessee, to visit her father, saying she would "give him her 'flowers' while he was still well enough for them. feel."

Born in 1933, Vernon Winfrey served on the Metro Nashville Council for 16 years during his lifetime. He was also an established barber in his community, operating a barber shop in East Nashville for over 50 years.

Oprah Winfrey's mother, Vernita Lee, died in 2018 at the age of 83. Lee and Vernon Winfrey were never married.

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