Kristin Davis is mourning the death of her father, Keith Davis.
Keith, who adopted Kristin, 59, when she was a little girl after marrying her mom, Dorothy, died at age 88 in September after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Kristin took to Instagram on Monday, November 18, to reflect on his life.
“My Dad passed away recently and the family gathered for the celebration of his life that he had left detailed instructions for,” the And Just Like That star wrote. “It was a beautiful celebration with a jazz band. We all learned new things about him, because he lead [sic] an extraordinary life.”
Kristin remarked at the success Keith found “giving speeches all over the world about his research in psychology” after being “born in a cabin on a river in North Carolina.” She noted his passion for teaching and praised her mom for being Keith’s caretaker during his decade-long battle with Parkinson’s.
“I think about the devotion with which my mother cared for him (and his doctors and nurses and home health care!) and I’m so grateful for the support he got, and the perseverance he showed in a very real and difficult struggle,” Kristin wrote. “I know many of you are probably caring for people in your life, and I know how [much] love and energy it takes. Thinking of our whole family and especially my Mom. We love you dad and we are so grateful you lit up our lives and left us with so much ♥️.”
Kristin’s AJLT costar Cynthia Nixon left a message of support in the comments section.
“Kristin, this is so beautiful. He would be so proud to be honored by you in this way. And I know it means a lot to your mom, too. You were such a trooper at work both before and after he passed. I can imagine how very hard that [must] have been,” Nixon, 58, wrote. “You are and always have been such an amazing daughter to both your parents, as you are an amazing mom to both your kids. I know how much your mom needs your support now on top of everything else on your plate. I hope you can find time to be good to yourself and take the space to grieve for him for yourself. I love you. 💗”
An online obituary for Keith noted that he taught at Princeton University, University of Colorado, Rutgers University and the University of South Carolina.
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“He was most proud of his accomplishments as teacher and researcher, with over 120 publications,” the obituary continued.
Kristin previously praised Keith via Instagram in June for being a “great father and super grandpa.” The actress has two adopted children: daughter Gemma and son Wilson.
In addition to her moving tribute to Keith, Kristin also shared a video of Michael J. Fox talking about his advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The actor, now 63, was diagnosed with the neurological disorder when he was 29.
“My dad loved the @michaeljfoxorg,” Kristin wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday alongside the clip. “He is so inspiring and providing so much knowledge for Parkinson’s patients and their families ❤️❤️❤️.”