Tiffani Thiessen is mourning the loss of her father, Frank Thiessen, who died at the age of 85.
“My Dad was a lover of many things. Animals, plants, chocolate, jazz, anything citrus, lottery tickets, cars, watches, stray dogs & cats and good Italian pasta. But what he loved most was his family,” the “Saved by the Bell” alum wrote in a lengthy tribute announcing the sad news via Instagram on May 24.
“He was a quiet man, but was never quiet about showing his love for us. He was kind, had a sweet sense of humor and was the utmost gentleman. Everybody who knew my Dad LOVED him. He truly had a heart of gold.”
Tiffani’s post included a carousel of photos of her dad over the years, featuring snaps of the father-daughter duo along with the actress’ brother Todd.
The emotional photo dump also included sweet pics of Frank being a doting grandfather to Tiffani’s two children – Holt 8, and Harper, 13 – whom she shares with husband Brady Smith.
The “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum, 50, went on to admit that she is “heartbroken” by her father’s passing.
“However, I know you are at peace now and that brings me comfort. I promise you I will watch over Mom [Robyn Ernest] and take care of her as you did for over 60 years,” she continued.
“Thank you for being such a dedicated husband and showing me what a true gentleman is. Thank you for being a wonderful Dad and Gramps and being there for us.”
The actress concluded her post by thanking her dad for “loving” her like he always did.
“No matter what, you had my back and were my biggest fan. I loved making you proud,” she gushed. “I love you, Daddy. We miss you so much.”
The sad news comes shortly after Frank celebrated his last birthday on Feb. 3.
“Happy 85th Birthday Daddy! Another year around the sun and another candle added to your cake. (🍋 of course),” Tiffani wrote via Instagram at the time. “So much to be proud and thankful for and you’re one of them. I ❤️ you Daddy!”
Plenty of Tiffani’s famous pals have since flooded the comments sections of her posts with words of support and sympathy.
“God Bless you and the family Tiff. Losing a parent is so incredibly hard. I can’t imagine your pain and grief at this time… Love you honey, sending nothing but love,” wrote Mario Lopez, with her former “90210” co-star Jason Priestley adding, “So sorry for you loss Tiff. Sending you love and light.”
