“You’ve changed the lives of so many people for the better,” the twins said of their father.
Our hearts ache for Ethan and Grayson Dolan today: the YouTubers just shared the heartbreaking news that their dad passed away after battling cancer.
In a touching tribute to their father, both twins posted tons of throwback family photos on Instagram, and shared some stories that painted a picture of who their dad really was.
“You will forever be my best friend,” Grayson posted on his Instagram. “I know that even though you’re not physically here with me on earth, that you are with me in spirit. You are responsible for making me the person that I am so proud to be today. All of the lessons that you’ve taught me have stuck with me and I will use them moving onward for the rest of my life.”
“You never missed a sporting event, school event, show on tour, anything that ever meant anything to me you were always there to support me,” he added. “Even when you were too sick to get up, you figured out a way to comfort me and help me with anything I needed. You never left my corner. When I was sick in the hospital after I was just born you sat in the room with a hand on me talking to me until I got better. I will always remember that and that is one of the most special things anyone has ever done for me. You’ve changed the lives of so many people for the better. All of your students, teachers, friends, and family will never forget how great of a man you were, and how special you made them feel. You raised me into a man for the past 19 years, but I can honestly say that I’ve learned the most from you in the past 2 1/2…. When the doctors said you only had a year to live after being diagnosed, you push and battled for 2 and 1/2 years! Last week when the doctor told us you had less than a week to live you stood your ground and stayed with us for a week and an extra day. That alone shows the type of man you were, a fighter.”
On his own Instagram, Ethan also shared an emotional letter that he wrote to his dad.
“Although we were only granted 19 years here together it feels like we’ve spent a million lifetimes together,” he shared. “You are such a strong soul and you’ve made such a strong impact on more people than you would believe. I know you will always be with me but I want you to know that I will always be with you… The sacrifices you made for your family throughout your journey could not be done without prodigious courage. You always put others first even if it meant the worst for yourself. You are the sweetest most caring man I will EVER know. The consideration you had for everyone and anyone is truly heartwarming. You were a father figure and friend to all of my friends too.”
Ethan also wrote about some important words his father told him, so that his fans could get to know the man he was.
“When you were very sick you told us, ‘This disease may get my body, but not my mind and not my heart. As long as my heart is beating I will still be fighting.’ That is exactly what you did Dad, Ethan shared. “That is something I will always remember when faced with adversity. You fought the hardest fight. Cancer may have taken your life but with the strength and dignity you showed, and the inspiration you left us with, you won the battle Dad.”
You can see Ethan and Grayson’s full posts and photos below:
These are such beautiful memories that we hope the twins find comfort in and will remember forever. We’re so sorry for the Dolan family’s loss, and are sending all of our love at this difficult time.
