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Naomie Olindo's Father Has Passed Away: "There Aren’t Really Words for This Pain"
The Southern Charm cast member's dad passed away after a 12-month-long battle with esophageal cancer.
Naomie Olindo is mourning the loss of her father, Joel, following his passing on Friday, December 20.
The Southern Charm cast member shared the news of her father's passing in a post on Instagram on Monday, December 23. "I lost a piece of my heart last Friday. After privately fighting esophageal cancer for 12 excruciating months, my dad lost the only fight he’s ever lost," Naomie shared. "He died peacefully surrounded by people that loved him more than words can explain. I missed him before he was even gone, and I can’t imagine what this road will be like."
Naomie then showed gratitude to everyone who has helped get her and her family through this tough time. "If someone you love is fighting this horrible disease, please know my heart is with you and it truly aches for you," Naomie shared. "There aren’t really words for this pain but I’m very thankful for the kindness and love our friends and family have shown my mom and me during the most difficult time of our life."
A wake will be held in honor of Joel on Saturday, January 4 at his Charleston restaurant Nico. "If he impacted your life in a tiny way or in a big way, we would love to see you there to celebrate my dad, the most amazing person I have ever known," Naomie wrote.
Condolences have been pouring in for Naomie and her loved ones since she shared the news of her father's passing. "So sorry to hear this," Shep Rose wrote in the comments to Naomie's post on Instagram. "Best to you and your family."
"Sending my love to you and your family," Katie Maloney-Schwartz also shared in the comments to the post.
Naomie has been sharing happy memories with her dad over the past few weeks, including a joyous photo of herself with her parents and boyfriend Metul Shah taken around "this time last year," as well as a photo of herself and her father out swimming when she was a kid. "My guy," Naomie captioned the post.
Naomie also couldn't help but sing her father's praises after he opened up his third restaurant in three years in April.
Joel, who appeared on Southern Charm along with Naomie's mom over the years, previously dealt with some health issues, suffering a heart attack in June 2018. The incident served as a wakeup call for Joel, who would go on to change his lifestyle and lose 40 pounds, Naomie shared on Instagram last year.
