To celebrate her father, Oprah Winfrey had a surprise party for him over the Fourth of July weekend, and it wasn’t a moment too soon. Vernon Winfrey, Winfrey’s father, and a former real estate developer died on Thursday at the age of 88 after succumbing to cancer. Winfrey was “very proud” of her active father, a barbershop-owning city councilman in Nashville who worked as a city councilman throughout his adult life.

On Instagram, Oprah posted a heartfelt farewell to her supporters, telling them how much she would miss her father, who was born in the midst of the Great Depression.

She posted, “Less than a week ago, we honored my father in his own backyard. My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps saluted him with a song. He FELT the love and reveled in it until he could no longer speak. Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life take his last breath. We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing. That Peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”

Thousands of internet users expressed their sympathy for Oprah Winfrey, informing her that she had just lost her father to cancer.

“We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing. That Peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”

On the Fourth of July weekend, Vernon Winfrey had one more chance to spend time with family and friends. He was surrounded by a crowd of people who cared about it, as a result of Oprah’s efforts to bring it together.

On this day, the family of Vernon Winfrey held a special gathering to show their appreciation for him. He was the honor guest at the event, and many beloved ones wanted to wish him a happy birthday.

Oprah released a video on YouTube to explain why she chose to stage her father’s tribute on the Fourth of July.

She organized a birthday party “because my father is ill. So, we wanted to be able to have all of his friends come and celebrate him while he’s able to receive the joy.”

“Giving my father his ‘flowers’ while he’s still well enough to smell them. Happy 4th of July as you gather with your family and friends. Remember to celebrate each other,” she captioned it on Instagram.

Vernon Winfrey was a small-business entrepreneur. For more than fifty years, he ran and managed the Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop. People who worked for him at the company described him as a good employer to TMZ.

“Vernon would give you the shirt off his back,” said one barbershop employee.

Vernon was a prominent figure in his community, and he continued to be after entering business. He has also been recognized as an important part of the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame.

Oprah mentioned her father during the Vernon Winfrey celebration, saying that he had been a great deal of a positive impact on her life.

“(He) brought honor to your life and honor to my life.”

Winfrey’s death was caused by a form of cancer that has not yet been disclosed.