Former Australian Idol judge Harry Connick Jr is in mourning after the death of his father, aged 97.
Harry Connick Sr, who was New Orleans’ district attorney for three decades, died peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his wife Londa and children Harry and Suzanna.
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A cause of death was not given.
Harry Connick Jr greatly admired his father, recently calling him his “hero and inspiration.”
While he was often out of the US for his music and acting commitments, he regularly returned home to spend time with his father, who passed on his love of music from a young age.
According to People, Harry Connick Sr owned two record stores in New Orleans about the time his children were born and regularly performed in bands around the city’s French Quarter.
He later served as New Orleans district attorney from 1973 until his retirement in 2003.
New Orleans’ current district attorney, Jason Williams, expressed condolences to Connick’s family.
“Mr. Connick remains the longest tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families,” he wrote.
“Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time.”
Connick Sr was a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II.
He loved and sang standards popularised by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Louis Prima, imparting a love of jazz, swing and crooning that his talented son would turn into a mega-successful career.
When Harry Connick Jr visited his father in October last year, he described “hanging with my dad” as “my FAVOURITE thing in the world”.
“I come to see him about once a month in New Orleans, and it’s still not enough!” he wrote on Instagram.
“At 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration … I love you sooooo much, dad!!!”
Fans loved the picture Connick Jr posted of the pair grinning for the camera.
“This is the best post I’ve seen today,” one fan said.
“This is such precious time. I wish I’d asked my mom more questions,” said another.
“Enjoy every second.”
Added a third: “What a blessing for you to have that time together.”
– with AP
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