Vanessa Hudgens’ father died of cancer Saturday, just a day before she was set to perform live on FOX's production of Grease: Live. Despite the family tragedy, the singer/actress powered through, giving an inspiring performance as the Pink Ladies' leader, Rizzo.
Hudgens dedicated her performance to her father, Greg Hudgens, and the show also mentioned his name in the final credits, dedicating the entire show in his honor.
I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
Tonight, I do the show in his honor. — Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
According to People, Hudgens revealed her father had cancer in an emotional speech last August.
“Last year my boyfriend, Austin, lost his mom, Lori, to cancer. And my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being," she said.
The former High School Musical star played Rizzo alongside Julianne Hough's Sandy. in Grease: Live on Sunday. Hudgens has said the original movie Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John had a huge effect on her childhood.
Hudgens, along with Hough, Aaron Tveit and Carly Rae Jepson signed onto perform in the Fox adaptation of the 1978 classic last year.
