Gabrielle Union opens up on Dwyane Wade’s emotional support after father’s death

Gabrielle Union is leaning on her husband, Dwyane Wade, as she navigates life after the death of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., who passed away on April 3 at the age of 81 following a battle with dementia.

Speaking at the 2026 Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Gala in New York City on April 16, the actress, 53, shared how her husband has been a steady source of comfort during this difficult time.

“You know, my dad and my husband were very, very close, and I don't know, we just go through pictures and reminisce and he's just physically there when I'm crumbling,” Union told People.

Union’s father had been living in memory care since 2023 after his dementia diagnosis.

In an emotional tribute shared after his passing, she described the painful progression of the illness and its impact on their family.

“No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one,” she wrote. “The them that you know gets smaller and smaller.”

She also remembered her father as a vibrant presence in her life, calling him the “life of the party” who “never met a stranger” and loved music, travel, and family gatherings.

“He was a lifelong, die-hard Nebraska fan,” she shared, noting the values he instilled in her, including teamwork and resilience.

Union added that her father was “perfectly imperfect,” someone who acknowledged his flaws and worked to make amends over time.

In past interviews, Union has spoken about the emotional and financial challenges of caring for her father, explaining how his medical needs influenced her career decisions and the projects she chose.

Union and Wade, 44, first met in 2007 and began dating in 2009. They married in 2014 and share a daughter, Kaavia James, born via surrogate in 2018.

Wade is also a father to three children from previous relationships, and Union is closely involved in their blended family life.