Wednesday night, actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker sent fans into a frenzy after news broke that she abruptly canceled an appearance at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
Parker was supposed to be honored at the New York City Ballet’s 10th Annual Fall Fashion Gala but announced last minute that she could not attend.
The actress cited a “devastated family situation” as why she pulled out of the event. According to Page Six, Parker, who is part of the Board of Directors, had not yet arrived at the event when the family emergency occurred.
Less than 24 hours later, it was confirmed that the Sex and the City actress had lost a beloved family member.
In a statement issued to the media, it was revealed that Sarah Jessica Parker’s stepfather, Paul Giffin Forste, died at age 76.
Paul Giffin Forste, who wed Parker’s mother, Barbara, in 1969, was battling an undisclosed illness.
The Parker family issued a statement to PEOPLE explaining that the father and grandfather passed away surrounded by many of the people he loved.
The statement read: “Our family is sad to announce that after an unexpected and rapid illness, Paul Giffin Forste passed away yesterday at age 76.”
The mourning family also revealed: “In his last moments, he was surrounded with the love and gratitude of his adored wife Barbara of 54 years, and children, including Sarah Jessica Parker.”
Sarah Jessica Parker’s stepfather was remembered as a philanthropist who sought to make the world a better place.
The loved ones revealed: “Paul will be remembered with the spirit of loving kindness which was his faith, his special delight in his 13 grandchildren, and his sustained belief in making the world a more charitable, tolerant, and beautiful place for all.”
The family has not yet announced the date of the funeral. Many fans have taken to social media to pay their respects to the Parker family with emotional and uplifting messages.
Sarah Jessica Parker is the vice chair of the NYCB Board of Directors and launched the Fall Fashion Gala in 2012. The charity event has since raised more than $24 million for the Ballet.
Earlier this week, Sarah Jessica Parker had a rare and adorable family photo that delighted her supporters.
Parker, accompanied by her husband, Matthew Broderick, and her 13-year-old twin daughters, Marion and Tabitha, attended the premiere of Hocus Pocus 2 in New York.
The couple’s 19-year-old son, James Wilkie, was not present.
