Stories

Tom Petty’s Daughter Pays Heartbreaking Tribute To Her ‘Magical Human’ Dad

ADVERTISEMENT

To his legions of fans around the world, Tom Petty was a rock legend, but to daughter, AnnaKim Violette, he was just Dad.

Hours before Petty’s death was confirmed, Violette flooded social media with tributes to her father, who died Monday at the age of 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu.

ADVERTISEMENT

Violette, an artist, is the younger of Petty’s two children, whom he shares with ex-wife Jane Benyo. His elder daughter, Adria, is a film and music video director.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just last week, Petty took the stage at Hollywood Bowl in what would be his final concert performance, with Violette watching proudly in the audience.

“One week ago today I was watching my dad play. We showed up rushed to our seats,” Violette recalled in one post. “I got stoned had a beer the lights went dark. Sat watching realizing I grew up on these songs. Everyone grew up on these songs.”

“This is real American Art made from the roots of real people who deeply love life,” she continued. “My father loves music more than anything and always put music first. It’s going to be healing to know I will never go a day without hearing his music. I love his class honesty and how strange and funny he is. Tom Petty is an American Icon because his heart has always put human rights first. We are one. I love you, dad. Your songs are dreams manifested.”

Violette documented what she called “the longest day of my life” as Petty was being treated at the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. To feel close to her father, she wore a jacket emblazoned with hearts and skulls that he’d made for her years ago to match his concert outfits.

She also revealed that Petty’s Heartbreakers bandmates arrived at the hospital before his death, calling them the “sweetest, coolest people.”

The singer’s manager, Tony Dimitriades, released a statement early Tuesday morning explaining that, following a cardiac arrest on Sunday night, the “Free Fallin’” singer could not be revived.

Click NEXT to continue…

1 of 2 Next

Show comments
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Harrison Ford On The ‘Boozy Lunch’ With Jimmy Buffett That Led To Getting A Piercing

During Saturday’s Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett event at Los Angeles’…

7 hours ago

OJ Simpson’s Former Agent Claims The Late Actor Confessed He Killed Ex-Wife

Former American football player and actor, OJ Simpson gained national attention primarily due to his…

12 hours ago

Denise Richards’ Daughter Sami Sheen Stuns In Tiny Animal-Print Bikini

Denise Richards’ oldest daughter Sami Sheen recently shared some PDA-filled photos from the Coachella festival…

12 hours ago

Allman Brothers Band Guitarist And Founding Member Dickey Betts Dies At 80

On April 18, Dickey Betts passed away. He was 80 years old when he died…

12 hours ago

Al Pacino Spotted Looking ‘Downcast’ While Out And About Ahead Of 84th Birthday

Al Pacino was spotted in Los Angeles recently as he took a solo stroll in…

13 hours ago

Richard Gere Shares Glimpse Into Private Life With Wife And 4 Sons

Richard Gere has mastered the art of balancing his cinematic achievements with his profound dedication…

14 hours ago