Lucy Hale: Pretty Little Liars star heartbroken over her dad Preston Hale’s ‘sudden’ death

Lucy Hale says she is in disbelief after her dad, Preston Hale, suddenly died last week and described the last conversation she had with him as “beautiful.”

The 37-year-old Pretty Little Liars star took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the heartbreaking news with her more than 22 million followers but did not state his cause of death.

Along with heartfelt words honouring her dad, she posted several nostalgic photos and videos from her childhood as well as more recent family memories.

“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday,” she said.

“My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind. He adored his family, my step-sisters, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy—the love of his life.

“He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown in Milan, Tennessee. A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him bass pro shop gift cards.”

Hale said her 68-year-old father loved her and her sister Maggie “unconditionally” and maintained a “deep soul bond” despite their relationship taking on “many forms over the years”.

“Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect,” she continued.

The actress said Maggie just happened to be visiting her in Los Angeles when the sisters got the devastating call their father had died.

“She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated. I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through these first surreal days by myself. I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift,” she said.

“My spirituality and my beliefs are bringing me comfort right now. I know my dad isn’t gone—he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh.

“You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others.”

Hale finished her emotional tribute by asking her dad to “watch over us” and to pray for her stepmom Stacy, who he was married to for 18 years, as she “navigates this incredibly difficult time.”

Hale is best known for her breakthrough role as Aria Montgomery in Pretty Little Liars which wrapped up in 2017. She went on to star in other films such as Truth or Dare and A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song.

Earlier this month, some of the PLL cast reunited and met fans at an event.

“We loved meeting all of you and it will always blow my mind to have been a part of a show that means so much to people,” Hale said.

Hale is also a talented singer and in 2014 releases a country album titled Road Between.