Lucy Hale Mourns Her Father Preston Hale’s in Gut-Wrenching Tribute

The actress opened up about her loss just days after his passing, painting a picture of a devoted father, family man, and proud Tennessee native. Her post also revealed a bittersweet detail about their last phone call that she believes was far from coincidental.

Lucy Hale is grieving the loss of her father. The "Pretty Little Liars" alum took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 21, to reveal that her father, Preston Hale, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 68.

"I can't believe I'm writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday," Lucy began.

"My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy — the love of his life."

She continued, "He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in Milan, Tennessee. A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him bass pro shop gift cards."

"And he unconditionally loved me and my sister. He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, and through it all was a deep soul bond. Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect."

Per his online obituary, Preston was born in May 1958 and raised by his grandparents in Milan, Tennessee, where his lifelong love of farming took root early on.

He got his start working on the family farm before enrolling at Memphis Cotton School, a path that eventually led to a 20-year career in corporate cotton management with Dunavant Cotton.

He later returned to Milan, spending 17 years with Shoaf Farms, reconnecting with both his hometown roots and the work he cherished most.

Lucy and her sister Maggie were his first two children, born during his relationship with his former partner, Julia Hale, and he was said to have been immensely proud of the women they grew up to become.

He went on to marry Stacy, and through their marriage, became a dad to three more daughters together: Lindsay, Rachel, and Meredith.

Lucy shared that her sister happened to be visiting her in Los Angeles at the exact moment she received what would turn out to be her final phone call with their father — a detail she now views as more than coincidence.

"She was sitting no more than three feet away from me," Lucy recalled. "That's something only God and my dad could have orchestrated. I can't imagine receiving that call alone or walking through these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift."

The actress went on to share that her faith has become a source of comfort as she navigates her grief.

She expressed her belief that her father "isn't gone — he's simply taken a different form," adding that she plans to look for his presence in life's small moments, confident that he'll remain close to her and the rest of their family.

"He'll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh," she wrote. "You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life."

"I'll love you in this lifetime and all the others. Watch over us. Rest easy ♾️❤️‍🩹🪽," she concluded. "And please say a prayer for my step mom Stacy as she navigates this incredibly difficult time."