Sandra Lee is mourning the loss of a beloved family member.
In an Instagram post on June 18, the Semi-Homemade Cooking star announced the passing of her Uncle Bill, while penning an emotional Father's Day tribute to the late man, who served as her "only real Dad."
"This is the saddest things [sic] I will ever write," she opened the heart-wrenching note. "My wonderful Uncle Bill has passed away. He was a Father to me, My only real Dad. As an infant I came home from the hospital to He [sic] and my Aunts house."
The family update continued, as the Food Network personality divulged more about her upbringing and details into the seemingly full life of her uncle.
"My Uncle was my mentor, my protector, my facilitator, my confidant, my best friend," she added, remembering, "He smiled when I was nice, but when I was naughty, he would burst in bold thunderous laughter. I could always be me, every flaw and imperfection-he liked most."
Though communicating the tragic news was, without a doubt, extremely sorrowful for the 56-year-old, she chose to focus on the positives of her Uncle Bill's life, including all the things he accomplished over the years, including serving in the military and enjoying traveling, antiquing, books, coffee, cocktails, and more.
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Wrapping up the lengthy farewell of sorts, she concluded: "He was strong, brave & brilliant in every way. I will miss him ever [sic] moment of ever [sic] day. Now an angels-how [sic] lucky heaven is to have you. My angel on earth, I am most grateful for you. A Special Father's Day to you Uncle Bill, I love you so so much my! Mahalo Nui Loa!"
In the comments, one fan sent a loving message her way, writing, "What an amazing portrait you have painted with this post! He sounds like a wonderful guy to have in your corner! I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Uncle Bill!????."
Lee-who has been open in the past about her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis-revealed in a later social media post that her family member also struggled with cancer, in addition to dealing with other health ailments, such as "ongoing heart failure."
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