Vernon Winfrey, Oprah's father and a former Metro Nashville Council member, died Friday after a brief illness at the age of 89.

Oprah Winfrey confirmed her father's death in an Instagram statement, sharing a recent video of Vernon Winfrey at an Independence Day backyard barbecue at his own home. Vernon was honoured alongside his friends and family by gospel singer Wintley Phipps, who performed a song for him.