Ryan Seacrest recently shared the profound impact of his father’s passing on his family during this holiday season. Gary Seacrest, who was 79, lost a lengthy battle with cancer in late October 2025. While Ryan, beloved for hosting American Idol and Wheel of Fortune, continues to navigate his career — notably returning to emcee Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on December 31 — he is also adapting to a new family dynamic this Christmas.
In an interview held at the iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM Jingle Ball, Ryan reflected on the emotional challenges of celebrating Christmas without his father. “I’m not quite sure what it’ll be like yet because we haven’t been there to experience a Christmas without him,” he mentioned. However, he assured his fans that his family, including his mother Connie and sister Meredith, is determined to keep Gary’s spirit alive during the holiday festivities.
To honor his father’s memory, Ryan plans to embrace and recreate the cherished Christmas traditions that Gary loved. This includes enjoying some of his favorite foods and beverages. Specifically, he mentioned that the family will prepare a Caesar salad, a dish Gary was fond of, and make a toast with a glass of red wine, another of his father’s favorites.
This heartfelt remembrance showcases Ryan’s commitment to celebrating his father’s legacy while cherishing the moments they once shared together. As the holiday season unfolds, thoughts and prayers are with the Seacrest family, highlighting the power of love and tradition to help navigate through grief.