Pretty Little Liars alum Lucy Hale is mourning an unexpected loss following the death of her father, Preston Hale.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday,” Lucy, 37, wrote via Instagram on Monday, July 20, sharing a carousel of family photos.
She continued, “My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy — the love of his life. He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in Milan, Tennessee. 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.”
Lucy recalled how her father “unconditionally loved me and my sister,” adding, “He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, and 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 Hating Game star wasn’t alone when she learned the shocking news. “My sister Maggie happened to be in town visiting me in LA when we got the call,” she revealed. “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 these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Lucy noted that she was finding “comfort” in “spirituality.”
“I know my dad isn’t gone — he’s simply taken a different form,” she wrote. “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.”
Her tribute concluded, “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. Watch over us. Rest easy ♾️❤️🩹🪽 And please say a prayer for my step mom Stacy as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”
Fans and fellow celebrities shared their condolences in the comments section, including Kaitlyn Dever, whose mom died in 2024.
“Oh Lucy ❤️ sending you so much love,” the Booksmart actress wrote.
Lily Collins added, “I’m sending my love and all the hugs possible. I’m so sorry,” with a white heart emoji.
Pretty Little Liars showrunner I. Marlene King commented, “He was a good man who raised two amazing daughters. You both are his legacy and he will forever be proud of you. So deeply sorry for your loss. Sending love and light today and always ❤️.”
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Months before his death, Lucy shared a glimpse of her dad visiting California in December 2025.
“Preston conquers LA ♾️,” she wrote via Instagram alongside photos of the pair drinking coffee and playing with dogs.
According to an online obituary, a funeral service will be held for Preston in Tennessee on Wednesday, July 22. He is survived by Lucy and her sister, Maggie, as well as his wife, three stepdaughters and nine grandchildren.
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