“I will always feel your hand holding mine”

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is mourning the loss of her late father. The 49-year-old retired Canadian television host shared a life update with People on Instagram on Saturday, mentioning that her 81-year-old father Jean died earlier this month. In her post, she included three older photos of herself as a child with her father.

“I had to begin my journey of grief, away from the noise of the outside world and into the deepest beat of my own heart,” she wrote in the caption of her post, adding that she knew she hadn't posted anything online in a long time. “My father, Jean, passed away on August 7th at the age of 81. I held his hand and whispered in his ear how much I loved him and that he deserved his long sleep.”

She added that she feels closer to him than ever before, which is probably what a close friend of hers who also recently lost a parent would feel: “He gave me enough love, courage and a wicked sense of humor to get through that pain, and I will always hear the echo of his voice saying, 'Go on, Soph, you can do this!' I love you and will always feel your hand on mine.”

In the comments section of her post, people expressed their sympathy and condolences. Others wrote words of encouragement in support of Grégoire Trudeau.

“My heart goes out to you, dear Sophie. May the memory of your father be a blessing. He will be with you. Now in a magical new way,” commented Canadian television personality Jeanne Beker.

“I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength to you and your family to help you get through this difficult time,” someone added.

“My condolences for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Stay strong,” someone else replied.

“Beautiful Sophie. I felt this pain. It doesn't go away but it becomes a companion you keep with you. Take care,” one person wrote.

Grégoire Trudeau has been living a post-political life since her separation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which they announced in August 2023 after 18 years of marriage. Earlier this year, she told CBC's The Current that you don't have to “destroy a relationship to restructure it.”

“We are still bound by respect and love and we support each other with all our hearts and souls. … Sometimes it gets messy, as it does in any family life,” she added. “And that's how it should be because then we learn to appreciate the better times.”

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