Gabrielle Union is opening up about how husband Dwyane Wade has been helping her navigate one of the most emotional seasons of her life following the passing of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr.
The actress shared that Wade has been a steady source of comfort after her father passed away on April 3 at age 81 following his battle with dementia. While attending the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Gala on April 16, Union spoke with People about how much Wade’s support has meant during her grief.
She revealed that her father and Wade were especially close, which has made their shared memories even more meaningful during this time.
“You know, my dad and my husband were very, very close,” Union said. “We just go through pictures and reminisce and he’s just physically there when I’m crumbling.”
The simple act of being present has made all the difference as Union processes the loss of someone she described as the heart of so many family moments.
Gabrielle Reflects on Her Father’s Final Years
Cully was placed in memory care in 2023 after being diagnosed with dementia, and Union has been open about how painful it was watching the disease slowly change him.
In an emotional Instagram tribute after his passing, she wrote, “No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one.”
She explained that it began with small things before becoming much harder. “First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk,” she wrote, adding, “The them that you know gets smaller and smaller.”
Even small moments like eye contact, a smile or a hand squeeze gave her hope.
Still, Union made it clear dementia did not define him. She remembered her father as the “life of the party,” someone who loved music, traveling, football and family.
“I swear he never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet,” she wrote.
She also called him a “perfectly imperfect man and father” who believed in accountability, growth and making things right.
Family, Grief and Moving Forward
In October 2025, Union celebrated her father’s 81st birthday on Instagram, writing, “It’s my Dad’s 81st birthday and I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful to be his daughter.”
She shared that his “eyes lit up” when he saw her and Wade by his bedside, adding, “He’s still here and that’s enough.”
Union has also said caring for her father affected her career choices. During the American Black Film Festival in 2025, she explained that memory care, nursing homes and home health aides became major expenses.
“You know, nursing homes, what’s covered by insurance, what’s not… that all adds up,” she said, per People.
She said bigger-paying projects, endorsements and brand deals became necessary, adding, “When you see celebrities have fifty ’leven jobs, there’s a reason.”
Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Union shared, “I know his love is eternal and will find me in every realm.”