Actress Jennifer Garner continues to cope with profound grief, having recently lost her cherished dog just months after the passing of her father.
In April 2024, Garner mourned the death of her father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who peacefully passed away surrounded by family. She paid tribute to him with an Instagram post featuring a heartfelt video from a past Capital One ad, where she recounted her father’s pride in signing up for the “Jennifer Garner card.”
She shared: “My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us… While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable… Today is for gratitude.”
Garner celebrated her father’s strength, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family. In a post from September 2022, she expressed her pride in him on his birthday, reflecting their deep connection over the years. The caption read: “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”
In an October 2020 interview with PBS, Garner revealed how her father had shaped the values of resilience and family life in his daughters, calling him “the ultimate problem solver and world-class hugger.”
On Thanksgiving Day 2024, Garner joined her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, serving 2,000 homeless individuals at the annual Thanksgiving brunch. It was a moment of unity for the family, especially poignant for Affleck, as it marked his first Thanksgiving since his separation from Jennifer Lopez in April 2024. For Garner, however, the holiday was bittersweet.
Just one day before Thanksgiving, Garner’s beloved family dog, Birdie, who often appeared on her social media, passed away. In a touching tribute, Garner shared the news, describing Birdie as “the world’s best dog.”
Garner wrote: “It is hard to know how to write this—it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing.” She explained that Birdie had fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet confirmed that her time was near. Despite the sadness, Garner found comfort in the fact that Birdie waited for one of her children to return home from college, giving the family a chance to say goodbye together.
“We got to pet her soft ears and thank her for the love she brought into our lives,” Garner shared. Birdie, a therapy dog with a love for being read to, had frequently appeared in Garner’s “Pretend Cook Show” on Instagram.
For Garner, Birdie was more than a pet; she was a beloved family member. Garner wrote: “She lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl. It’s a gift to love and be loved by such a creature as Birdie the Doggie.”
The post included emotional photos and videos from their time together and sparked an outpouring of condolences from friends and fellow celebrities. “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston added: “Oh Jen… I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.” Chef Ina Garten wrote: “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”
During this challenging period, Garner has found comfort in the support of her family and her community.