Shanna Moakler at the Ante Up for Cancer Poker Tournament in Beverly Hills

Shanna Moakler Finds Solace In Knowing Dad Is With Her Mom After His Passing

Home / Stars / Shanna Moakler Finds Solace In Knowing Dad Is With Her Mom After His Passing

By Afouda Bamidele on August 14, 2023 at 1:15 PM EDT

Shanna Moakler has lost another beloved family member.

Barely eight months after she announced the passing of her mother, Gail Moakler, in January, the beauty queen publicly bemoaned her father Dr. John W. Moakler III's death.

Although she did not mention the cause of his death, she shared the tragic news in a social media post that featured multiple photos of their time together, including one from her wedding to her now ex-husband, Travis Barker. Despite the sad reality, Shanna disclosed that she was taking solace in the prospect of her parents' heavenly reunion.

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Shanna Moakler Praised Her Parents For Not Backing Down From Supporting Her

On Friday, Shanna took to Instagram to inform fans of John's passing in a tribute that touched even the coldest of hearts. Filling the ten slides with some of her best memories with her dad, the former Miss USA started off with a close-up shot of them, with the deceased donning a blue v-neck shirt over a red round-neck one.

In the second and third photos, the daughter-father duo are shown holding each other close as a younger Shanna sparkled in a shimmery dress and a black-and-white dinner fit. While four other slides featured John posing with various family members, the eighth was a view of him and his daughter beaming at the camera on her wedding day.

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Shanna Moakler Finds Solace In Knowing Dad Is With Her Mom After His Passing
Instagram | Shanna Moakler
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The medic appeared in the middle of a procedure at a dentist's office in the ninth picture and placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder in the final slide. She wrote in the caption:

"It's with great sadness to share the passing of my dad, the only solace is knowing he is with my beautiful mother. I am so thankful I got to have as many years with my parents as I did, and to have the time I had these last weeks with him. My father was an amazing husband, doctor and father he was more than anyone could ask for. I will hold tight to the incredible life both my parents provided for me and the love and strength they instilled in me."

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Going further, Shanna applauded her late parents for the "unwavering support" they showed her even when she was undeserving of it. She effusively wrapped up with a declaration of love for John while appreciating "all those who have reached out and sent messages of support."

Fans were quick to express their condolences to the 48-year-old beauty's fans, with one person commenting, "So sorry for your loss! I've had him as my dentist for over 20+ years. I am so heartbroken to see this post, he will never be forgotten! He was the absolute sweetest, most genuine man, and an amazing doctor!"

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A second person shared, "Oh Shana I'm so sorry to hear the loss of your dad. #Remembering his green jaguar you would drive out of the rink parking lot. Not sure if he cared or not but we thought we were so kool ..Thinking of you!"

A third netizen, who agreed with Shanna's sentiment about her parents' reunion, wrote, "What a comfort knowing they are together again." A fourth fan was just grateful that the model had publicly showered John with love while he was alive.

Shanna Moakler Finds Solace In Knowing Dad Is With Her Mom After His Passing
Instagram | Shanna Moakler
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In one recent instance, Shanna had uploaded a throwback view of her and the dentist seemingly having a father-daughter dance during her wedding to Barker alongside the caption:

"I love you @drjohnmoakler you are the most amazing man and father, I wish so badly I could be by your side. Couple more weeks… how lucky I am to have you as a dad… ?⚓️❤️."

The 'Hollywood Exes' Star Recalled Her Mother's Last Virtual Words To Her 

Earlier this year, the December 2001 Playmate of the Month reflected on some of the last messages that she exchanged with her mom before the latter's passing. Per The Blast, the mother-of-three had uploaded a screenshot of a text exchange between her and Gail on her Instagram Story.

Starting with a video of a snow-blanketed road, the late matriarch informed her daughter, "We are supposed to get snow flurries today or tomorrow. I'm kind of looking forward to it [.] I love snow."

Following Shanna's "Lucky" response, Gail shared that she was in "such a good place right now" mentally and physically and declared her love for her family, adding "I love you honey." The show of love was reciprocated by the "Bridalplasty" alum, before the then-77-year-old finished:

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"I need my girl [.] you mean so much to me you have no idea. I am so proud of you. I am so proud to be your mama."

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