Kristin Davis is honoring the memory of her late father, Tom Atkinson. On Nov. 18, the 59-year-old Sex and the City star shared the news of her father’s passing on Instagram, revealing that he had recently died following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She waited to post until after her family had gathered to celebrate his life in a way he had planned himself. “My Dad passed away recently, and the family gathered to celebrate his life, which he had left detailed instructions for,” Davis shared, describing the “beautiful celebration” that included a jazz band as part of the ceremony.
Kristin Davis thanks those who supported her father, from caregivers to medical professionals, during his fight with Parkinson’s
Reflecting on her father’s extraordinary life, Davis explained, “We all learned new things about him,” noting that he was “born in a cabin on a river” in North Carolina. His passion for his career was evident, as he traveled the world giving speeches about his research in psychology.
Davis also spoke about her father’s teaching career, saying, “He was born to be a teacher and loved it so much. He was brilliant and bright, and people loved him.” She went on to discuss his health, explaining that Atkinson spent the last decade living with Parkinson’s disease, which, as noted by the National Institute on Aging, causes progressive symptoms such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
The Cash Out actress expressed deep gratitude for the care her mother gave her father after his diagnosis and extended thanks to the doctors, nurses, and home health care workers who helped him during his battle.
“I’m so grateful for the support he got, and the perseverance he showed in a very real and difficult struggle,” Davis wrote. She ended her post with a heartfelt message: “Thinking of our whole family and especially my Mom. We love you dad, and we are so grateful you lit up our lives and left us with so much ♥️.”
Fans and friends flooded her comment section with condolences, including Jerry O’Connell, who wrote, “So sorry Kristin. He must have been so proud of his baby girl. Rest In Peace King!”
