Lucy Hale’s father, Preston Hale, has passed away at the age of 68. The Pretty Little Liars alum made the announcement on July 20 in an Instagram tribute.
The 37-year-old actress shared a series of nostalgic photos in the form of a carousel on the social media platform, featuring her older sister Maggie Clarke and her mother, Stacy. She wrote:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday.”
Preston worked as a farmer and lived in Mississippi. Lucy described him as a “funny, sensitive, and deeply kind” person. She said he adored his family and pets and was proud of his farming career. She added that Preston Hale was a “true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming.”
In the conclusion of her post, Lucy thanked her dad for “the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life.”
Continue reading for more details.
Who was Lucy Hale’s father Preston Hale?
Lucy Hale’s father, Preston Hale, gained attention after she shared a sweet tribute honoring him on her Instagram account.
The Life Sentence star was born to her mother, Julie Knight, and her late father. Julie is a registered nurse who has supported Lucy’s career in music and acting. She relocated with her to Los Angeles so that Lucy could pursue opportunities in entertainment. Lucy’s parents headed for a divorce when she was young, which she had described as the best decision since it brought peace and allowed them both to eventually remarry.
The Road Between artist has described herself as a “daddy’s girl” and has noted that the divorce was difficult for her. It contributed to her personal challenges, such as an eating disorder during her youth.
In addition to sharing a close bond with her dad, Preston Hale, Lucy has developed a special bond with her elder sister, Maggie. She explained in her recent tribute to her dad that Maggie had been visiting her in Los Angeles when they learned their father had died. She wrote:
“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. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”
Lucy Hale’s dad had dedicated his life to his family and farming. According to his Obituary, Preston Hale began working on his family’s farm, which led to successful corporate cotton management with Dunavant Cotton. He returned to Milan and then spent seventeen years of his life working with Shoaf Farms. He was also a member of Milan Country Club and served on the club’s board. His obituary noted:
“Whether he was in a duck blind, on the lake, or playing golf with friends, Preston was happiest outdoors and surrounded by good company.”
In 2008, Preston Hale married for the second time when he tied the knot with Stacy. She has been referred to as the “love of his life.” His obituary described the bond of 18 years the couple had shared during Preston Hale’s life. It read:
“Their 18 years together were filled with laughter, adventure, friendship, and countless memories. Just two days before his passing, they celebrated their anniversary. Preston brought a special kind of fun and unconditional love to their marriage, and Stacy will forever cherish the life they built together.”
Preston Hale and his second wife, Stacy, were blessed with three daughters, Lindsay (Sid), Rachel (Micah), and Meredith (Karter). He was also a proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren.
Edited by Aastha Dass