Off The Record
Our Thoughts And Prayers Go Out To Jennifer Garner For Her Tragic Loss
Just months after losing her father, “Alias” star Jennifer Garner is mourning yet another devastating loss as she bids farewell to her cherished pet.
A day before Thanksgiving, Jennifer Garner is grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Birdie. The actress broke the news to her fans on Instagram in a tearful statement, referring to Birdie as “the world’s best dog.”
“It is hard to know how to write this—it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing,” Jennifer wrote. She explained that Birdie had suddenly fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet revealed her pet was at the end of her life.
Given that Birdie appeared to wait for one of her kids to return from college, Jennifer was appreciative of the timing. As a result, the family was able to spend their last time together, stroking Birdie’s tender ears and expressing gratitude for the love she had given them.
Birdie was more than just a pet to the actress; she was a cherished family member. Jennifer’s well-liked Instagram series, “Pretend Cooking Show,” often featured the golden retriever, who particularly enjoyed reading to people. In addition, she was a therapy dog that made many people happy and comfortable.
“She lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl. It’s a gift to love and be loved by such a creature as Birdie the Doggie. 🐾🪽,” Jennifer shared, accompanied by photos and videos of her time with Birdie.
In one video, Jennifer read “Pete’s a Pizza,” a work by William Steig, to the two as they relaxed on a sofa, both wearing reading glasses. Another showed her holding Birdie and singing to her, playingfully using Birdie’s paws to join in.
Jennifer’s heartfelt post resonated deeply with her followers and drew an outpouring of condolences from friends and celebrities. “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross commented, “🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️ these furry beings bring so much goodness.” Meanwhile, “Friends” alum Jennifer Aniston added, “Oh Jen…💔I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.”
Chef Ina Garten also wrote her sympathies, “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”
Jennifer sought solace from her community and family during her time of loss. She got back together with her ex-husband Ben Affleck and their kids on Thanksgiving Day to work at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles.
They worked side by side and shared enjoyable moments for three hours as they served 2,000 homeless and near-homeless people at the non-profit’s annual Thanksgiving meal.
Ben donned a brown button-down shirt and remained near their kids, while Jennifer wore a navy sweater and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Ben also celebrated his first Thanksgiving without Jennifer Lopez, his estranged wife.
This year’s Thanksgiving was bittersweet because Jennifer was going through a difficult period. She revealed in April that her father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, had passed away in the company of his loved ones.
Jennifer posted a heartfelt homage to William on Instagram, showcasing a variety of lovely father-daughter experiences from her early years spent with him to more recent family get-togethers with him.
The affectionate family images that Jennifer provided, some of which included her mother Patricia Garner and her sisters, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie, demonstrated the unmistakable relationship that existed between her and her late father.
One particularly poignant addition was a video from a previous Capital One advertising campaign in which Jennifer, with William joining her at the end, recounted her father’s joy in obtaining “the Jennifer Garner card.”
The “Elektra” star’s caption, which accompanied the endearing images, conveyed a deep sense of loss balanced with appreciation for her father’s life.
“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us… While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable. Today is for gratitude,” she wrote.
She also emphasized how he was a loving husband to her mother for 59 years and a patient, kind, and devoted father to her and her siblings. Jennifer also expressed gratitude to the medical staff at City of Hope and Charleston Area Medical Center for giving William the best care possible.
Jennifer, one of three girls, described her upbringing in Charleston, West Virginia, as “pretty peaceful,” influenced by her father, who worked for Union Carbide, and her mother, who was a schoolteacher.
Jennifer told “PBS’s” Kelly Corrigan in October 2020 that despite the family’s strong West Virginian roots, William was a global man. His zest for adventure brought him all over the world, teaching his girls the value of home and the necessity of perseverance.
Previously referred to as “Bill” by Jennifer when she was younger, the actress spoke about how this then changed to “Billy Jack,” highlighting his Texan roots which, she said, grew deeper the older he got. While discussing his persona, Jennifer fondly remarked, “My dad is—he’s so great.”
Jennifer’s social media has long been a testament to the significant role her family has played in her life, even going beyond her interviews where she would gush about her father and loved ones. She published a heartwarming post in September 2023 that had a rotating collection of pictures from a trip to Charleston with her family.
She posted a number of images and videos, one of which was a sweet photograph of her and William standing next to a 1948 Studebaker Champion that she had given him as an early birthday present.
Another post from September 2022 honored the late devoted father’s birthday, using the same photo from Jennifer Garner’s most recent tribute post following William’s passing.
In this same post, she detailed his life’s milestones and the profound impact he had on his family. A part of the loving caption read, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner, son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout, @tamu Corps Cadet and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. Union Carbide Chemical Engineer for close to 40 years.”
This detailed account was also interwoven with personal anecdotes such as “In my dad, my grandfather had a best little buddy, his brilliant adorable sidekick,” and “We have the OG Girl Dad—the best granddad out there, the ultimate problem solver and world-class hugger.”
Concluding her statement, she added, “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”
Jennifer gave a heartfelt tribute to her late father, a man who lived a long life, received love from his family, and left a legacy of integrity, love, and strength.
The world got a peek at the extraordinary guy William was as Sarah, her sisters, and her mother celebrated his life and reminisced about the past. The Garner family celebrated the life of a cherished father and husband and found comfort in thankfulness amidst their sorrow.
Throughout a challenging year, Jennifer Garner’s generosity and tributes demonstrate her resilience. She finds solace in love, thankfulness, and connection—from remembering her father to appreciating her dog Birdie to giving back to her community.
Now Trending:
- One Day, Young Johnny Asks His Father…
- No One Has Gotten This Puzzle Right In An Instant
- Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Reveals NEW Name After Turning 18
Please SHARE this story with your friends and family and let us know what you think in the comments!
