Demi Lovato's Dad Dies, Singer Thanks Fans On Twitter

As Demi Lovato’s dad dies, the application of social media as a way to support grieving celebs has been demonstrated, and Lovato and family have been able to see kind condolences in real time.

News Lovato’s dad had died of cancer was first posted to Twitter Saturday by Dallas Lovato, younger sis of Demi and daughter of Dianna De La Garza — who also posted after it was learned Patrick Lovato had died at 53.

In 2009, Demi Lovato admitted she and her dad had been out of touch, and she said:

“The last time I talked to him was two years ago. You try to have faith in somebody, even when you’re the last person that believes in him. But when somebody lets you down after you’ve been the only one there for them, and so many times, you don’t know what else to do.”

Two years later, Patrick Lovato revealed he’d been suffering from cancer, and was trying to reach out to Demi following their estrangement. He said:

“It is not like I want anything from her, all I want is her love.”

Over on Twitter, mom Dianna posted a thank you pic of Patrick and the girls overlaid with messages of fan support, and tweeted:

Thank you all for the outpouring of love and prayers. Y’all are amazing! https://t.co/tG0vBGC0zm

— Dianna De La Garza (@DiannaDeLaGarza) June 23, 2013

Prior to that, Dallas had tweeted:

Rest in peace daddy I love you..

— Dallas Lovato (@dallaslovato) June 22, 2013

A day later, Demi Lovato sent two tweets — one thanking fans, and another:

I feel so humbled to have had so much support from my fans, friends, family and complete strangers.. God bless you all, thank you so much

— demetria lovato (@ddlovato) June 23, 2013