‘Ghostbusters’ Song Creator Ray Parker Jr. Pays Tribute To Late Ivan Reitman

On Saturday, “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He leaves behind his wife, Geneviève Robert, and his three children: Jason, Catherine, and Caroline. He also had one granddaughter named Josephine.

Reitman’s three children provided a joint statement to AP after their father’s passing.

“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” they wrote.

“We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world,” they continued. “While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”

Ray Parker Jr. is the song creator behind the iconic “Ghostbusters” theme song, which has become one of the most memorable movie theme songs in film history. “Ghostbusters” received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

On Instagram, Parker posted a short tribute to his Instagram account to honor the late filmmaker.

“Ivan Reitman RIP!” he wrote. “Ivan heard and believed in my song Ghostbusters and made it a hit record as well as directed the video! Thx Ivan we will miss you! Ray.”

“🙌🙌 condolence to his family,” one fan wrote. “Always good to see you Ray, safe keeping ❤️”

“❤️💔❤️so sorry for your loss, Ray,” another shared.

“🙏🙏 May his memory be a blessing 🙏🙏” another wrote.

“So sad 🥲 What a genius he was. Iconic pic of you two 💙💙” another wrote.

“😢May his soul Rest In Peace 😢” another commented.

“Beautiful pic of two very special people!” another shared.

“Sorry for all your loss Ray..RIP Ivan ❤️” wrote another.

Parker was not alone in sharing his condolences. Many members of the “Ghostbusters” cast and crew took a moment to remember the legendary director. Although Reitman had directed the first two films in the franchise, he only served as a producer in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which was released in 2021. His son, Jason Reitman, actually served as the film’s director.

Dan Aykroyd expressed a statement, saying, “Feeling heartbreak today for Geneviève, Catherine, Caroline, Jason and family. The loss of my friend, collaborator, champion and one of the last great creative talents of the BIG SCREEN ERA crumples me.”

He added, “Now on Thursdays who am I gonna call?”

The official “Ghostbusters” Twitter page put out a statement from Tom Rothman, the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.

The tweet read: “Tonight, the lady with the torch weeps, as do all of us at Columbia, and film lovers around the world. Ivan Reitman was an inseparable part of this studio's legacy, but more than that he was a friend. A great talent and an even finer man; he will be dearly missed. We send his family all our condolences.”

“Ghostbusters” actor Ernie Hudson also released a statement, tweeting, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ivan Reitman. Truly a great man and filmmaker who I had honor and privilege of knowing and working with. Deepest condolences to Jason and the entire family. May he RIP #jasonReitman”

Paul Feig, who directed the “Ghostbusters” reboot starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones said that he was in “absolute shock” over the news.

Feig tweeted, “I’m in absolute shock. I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience. He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time. All of us in comedy owe him so very much. Thank you for everything, Ivan. Truly. ❤️❤️”

Carrie Coon, who starred in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” also expressed her condolences.

Coon tweeted, “Working with Ivan was an honor and a pleasure and I’m so grateful that I was invited into the universe he helped to build, one that continues to resonate with fans the world over. 💔”