For every child, dads are the ultimate superheroes—their protectors, their strength. Losing them? It’s an unthinkable heartbreak. For those who’ve lost their fathers, the void never truly fades. Jordyn Woods knows this pain too well. Eight years have passed since her father, John Woods Sr., left this world. Yet, even after all this time, his absence still feels unbearably heavy. His little girl hasn’t let go—and maybe, she never will.

On January 18, 2017, the world lost a loving soul. John Woods fought a hard battle with cancer, leaving behind those who adored him. In a heartfelt tribute, Karl-Anthony Towns‘ girlfriend poured her emotions into an Instagram letter to her dad. She shared a carousel of photos, from baby Jordyn in his arms to moments with her mother, Elizabeth. Each image spoke volumes, but it was the caption that truly captured the love and loss:

“Today marks 8 years without you🤍🪽 For those of you who have been here that long, how crazy is it that it’s already been 8 years!? I wish I could say grief was something that got easier over time, and for some that may be the case, but for me losing a parent is like having a hole in your heart that never seems to heal. Eventually you just learn to live with that hole. Some days are brighter than others, but in the direction my life has gone, I know a lot of this wouldn’t have been possible without my guardian angel pulling some strings up there. 🤞🏽✨”

It’s evident that Jordyn Woods misses her father. Well, anyone would. He left too early and couldn’t fully see his daughter acquire the fame. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old keeps him in his thoughts and celebrates his life through small gestures like these Instagram posts. However, it might seem surprising that the Woods family had actually split and only reunited after John’s diagnosis.

Jordyn Woods’ emotional farewell to her father before his passing

Jordyn Woods‘ father, John Woods Sr., had been estranged from the family for years. But when he fell ill in December 2016, everything changed. John was admitted to the hospital with flu symptoms, but the diagnosis was devastating—advanced cancer. The family rallied around him. Jordyn, her mother Elizabeth, and her siblings stood by his side during those final two weeks. They shared a heartbreaking photo on Instagram, showing their love and support as they reconciled with him. Despite their efforts, on January 18, 2017, John passed away.

John Woods, a television sound engineer by trade, left behind a family that had lost time but found healing in his last days. The Woods family honored their patriarch with an emotional Instagram post, paying tribute to him. In a beautiful act of kindness, family friend Kylie Jenner donated $10,000 to cover the funeral costs, showing just how deeply John’s life had touched others.

Thus with bittersweet memories, Jordyn Woods’ heartfelt tribute to her father talks about his impact on her family. Even if it meant it was the last few moments of his life that brought the family together. Jordyn has yet to find the strength to accept the truth of her dad’s absence.