Television presenter Charlene White has announced that her father Denniston died by suicide a fortnight ago.
The 45-year-old Loose Women panellist took to Instagram to share the devastating news with her followers.
In a deeply personal statement, Ms White disclosed that her father had been struggling with mental health challenges that he kept hidden from his family.
“Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift,” she wrote in the emotional post.
Charlene White shared the devastating news on Friday
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GETTY
The broadcaster explained that despite being surrounded by abundant love from family and friends, her father chose to end his life.
She revealed that Denniston had concealed his inner turmoil, which she described as “very typical of dad.”
Ms White and her siblings have chosen to be open about their father’s death rather than concealing the truth.
“So we too have made a choice – his children, step-children, and wife – not to hide the circumstances of our loss,” she stated in her post.
The presenter emphasised that suppressing emotions and genuine feelings would benefit nobody, particularly the grieving family.
She acknowledged that this type of bereavement was both unfamiliar and unforeseen for them all.
“This kind of grief is new and unexpected and we’re still finding our way,” the presenter wrote.
She urged her followers to embrace their parents and express their love regularly, describing it as children’s responsibility to love their parents “no matter where the road eventually takes them.”
The family found solace in their close-knit support network during this difficult period.
“But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on,” Ms White expressed.
Last Sunday, the family held a traditional Jamaican nine night ceremony, which Ms White described as “the most perfect way to release our grief through food, dancing, drink and joy.”
The gathering drew hundreds of relatives and friends who came to pay their respects.
Charlene White shared the personal statement on World Mental Health Day
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PA
Ms White remembered her father as someone who played numerous roles in many lives.
She listed those mourning alongside her, including siblings Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma and Justin, as well as other family members.
Following the announcement, White received an outpouring of support from her television colleagues and viewers.
GB News broadcaster Eamonn Holmes reached out with a message of sympathy, writing: “So sorry for your loss Charlene.”
Fellow Loose Women presenter Nadiya Sawalha expressed her shock, writing: “Charlene .. oh my darling I’m in total shock for you. You have such a wonderfully close and loving family. Your adoration for your father always shines so brightly when you talk about him.”
Coleen Nolan, another colleague from the ITV daytime programme, offered her condolences: “Oh Charlene so so sorry to hear this news thinking of you and your family! Love you.”
Television presenter Adil Ray pledged his support, commenting: “Darling, sending all my love to you all. Here for anything you need.”
Numerous fans also responded with messages of condolence and prayers for the grieving family.