Vanessa Hudgens' father Greg dies of cancer; Actress still plans to perform in 'Grease: Live!'
Greg Hudgens, father of High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens, died on Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
The 27-year-old actress revealed the news on Twitter just hours before Grease: Live! was set to air on Fox at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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"I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer," she wrote, which was retweeted by her younger sister, Stella. "Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers."
I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
Despite the tragedy, Vanessa still plans to take part in the musical, saying she will dedicate her highly-anticipated performance as Rizzo to her late dad.
Tonight, I do the show in his honor.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
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Vanessa posted a picture with her father to Instagram last July, asking friends and fans to "pray for his healing."
My daddy and I ❤️❤️❤️ Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
A post shared by 🔮Vanessa Hudgens🔮 (@vanessahudgens) on Jul 27, 2015 at 10:06am PDT
Then in August, she revealed that Greg was sick with cancer while accepting an award for Breakthrough Performer at the Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles. The news came less than one year after her boyfriend, Arrow star Austin Butler, lost his mother to cancer in September 2014.
"Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being," Vanessa shared onstage. "This award, it means a lot to me but I dedicate it to my boyfriend's mom, Lori, my dad, and to all the families out there who are struggling with this, because it really takes a strong person and a strong family to be able to help those out who are going through this."
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