Kristin Davis is remembering her late father, Tom Atkinson.
Kristin Davis/Instagram
On Monday, Nov. 18, the Sex and the City actress, 59, revealed on Instagram that her father had died “recently” following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. She shared news of his death on social media after the family had a chance to come together and celebrate his life.
“My Dad passed away recently and the family gathered for the celebration of his life that he had left detailed instructions for,” Davis wrote, detailing the “beautiful celebration” that also included a jazz band.
“We all learned new things about him, because he lead an extraordinary life,” she continued of her father, who was “born in a cabin on a river” in North Carolina.
“He was born to be a teacher and loved it so much. He was brilliant and bright and people loved him,” the actress added before disclosing information about his health.
“For the last decade he lived with Parkinson’s,” she wrote of the disease, which is “a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination,” and gets worse over time, often. causing difficulty walking and talking, per the National Institute on Aging.
The Cash Out actress highlighted the “devotion” her mother gave her father following his diagnosis, and thanked “his doctors and nurses and home health care” for their help as well.
“I’m so grateful for the support he got, and the perseverance he showed in a very real and difficult struggle,” Davis continued.
Her post concluded, “Thinking of our whole family and especially my Mom. We love you dad and we are so grateful you lit up our lives and left us with so much ♥️.”
Many in her comment section offered their condolences, including Jerry O’Connell, who wrote: “So sorry Kristin. He must have been so proud of his baby girl. Rest In Peace King!”