Vanessa Hudgens Reveals Father Died Just Hours Before 'Grease: Live' Performance
Feb. 1 2016, Published 11:13 a.m. ET
The show must go on! Vanessa Hudgens' performance as Rizzo in NBC's Grease: Live was spectacular, but considered even more so after fans learned that her father passed away just hours before the performance.
The show must go on! Vanessa Hudgens' performance as Rizzo in NBC's Grease: Live was spectacular, but considered even more so after fans learned that her father passed away just hours before the performance.
On Sunday afternoon, before she was set to appear live on TV, the 27-year-old revealed that her father's battle with cancer ended the night before.
Dress rehearsal for FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ in LA
"I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer," she tweeted. "Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers. Tonight, I do the show in his honor."
Dress rehearsal for FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ in LA
Audiences were wowed by Hudgens' performance in wake of such a tragedy, celebrities and all, singing her praises on Twitter.
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Dress rehearsal for FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ in LA
"Imagine if you had a day like @VanessaHudgens & performed like that. Wow.What a strong woman. My new hero #GreaseLive," co-star Mario Lopez said .
Dress rehearsal for FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ in LA
"I wouldn't expect anything less @VanessaHudgens is killing it! So proud of my girl #GreaseLive," High School Musical pal Ashley Tisdale wrote.
FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ – Dress Rehearsals
Even Hudgens' boyfriend Austin Butler weighed in, tweeting: "WOW @VanessaHudgens singing 'Worst Things' had me in tears. Just brilliant #GreaseLive."
FOX’s ‘Grease: Live’ – Dress Rehearsals
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vanessa's family.