We may never have witnessed Tony Parker’s legendary career without the guidance of the man who first set him on the path: his father, Tony Parker Sr. “My dad helps me tremendously. After each game, I talk to him on the phone,” the former point guard once shared. “He is of great help and wisdom, but most important, a good dad.” To the four-time NBA champion, Parker Sr. was far more than a parent. He was a mentor, role model, and guiding force whose influence shaped Tony’s values and career. Today, that irreplaceable presence is missed.

Parker Sr. once held NBA aspirations himself, playing for Loyola University in the 1970s. However, he took his game to Europe, carved out a 15-year pro career, and ultimately made France home, the place where he raised his three sons. In heartbreaking news to the Spurs legend and the basketball community as a whole, Tony Parker Sr. has passed away. The cause of death is unknown, but investigations are ongoing. 

Parker Sr. was his son’s biggest fan, often seen on the sidelines of his games watching a sport he loved. His passing was described as “sudden and unexpected” in a statement sent by Tony Parker to AFP. But that aside, Tony Parker Sr. loved the game of basketball with all his heart. But he never expected his sons to do the same. “I never forced my sons to play basketball. I don’t believe in that, I have 3 sons and I let them grow up giving them the freedom to choose what they wanted to do,” Basketnews reported.

While he never pushed Tony towards the game, his father’s influence made him choose it regardless. The San Antonio Spurs great started with Soccer as his premier sport even from the age of 6, but his father’s immense basketball and Chicago Bulls fandom made the 2023 Naismith Hall of Famer switch from shooting at a goal to a hoop. 

“My dad was from Chicago, I was a huge Bulls fan, huge Michael Jordan fan growing up. That was at the time when you know, Michael played Magic in ’91… I played soccer from 6 to 9 years old, and then when I saw the NBA finals with Magic and Jordan, I decided to switch sports.” Parker revealed on the Knuckle Heads podcast in February 2025. The passing of his father is undoubtedly a profound and painful loss, but the basketball community is coming together to surround the legend with heartfelt support and solidarity.

NBA Fandom Sends Their Prayers To Tony Parker And His Family

“Just heard about the death of Tony Parker’s father, Tony Parker senior. A thought to the Parker family, what a sad news… 🙏,”  wrote a fan. It is hard to feel that pain and fill the gap. The family is shocked because it wasn’t expected, as Parker said. And amid the tough times, condolences for Parker Sr. grew. Short of words, too, many wrote, “RIP Tony Parker Sr”. The mutual feelings of loss unite everyone, regardless of their stature, and Parker had more prayers coming in.

Even Don Harris posted, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Parker Sr. He was always accommodating and gracious in our 20 plus years of covering his son. No father has ever been as proud of a son than when I talked to him at TP’s Hall of Fame induction. Prayers are with Tony and his family.” Don Harris has spent more than 2 decades covering Tony Parker’s career and his legacy. That, of course, entailed interactions with his father, who has often beamed regarding his son.

As Parker’s international career came to an end in 2016, Parker Sr. couldn’t believe the kind of player his son ended up being. “I don’t have to pinch myself to see how my son’s career has unfolded,” proudly said the father. “I will say this, though; it turned out to be unexpected to where it is.” In every moment of Parker’s career, be it a high or a low, his father has always been proud. 

“Prayers up for Tony Parker, man. 🙏” Tony Parker embarked upon a new journey post his basketball career as the president of  LDLC ASVEL of the LNB Élite and the EuroLeague. Parker also wants to coach in the NBA someday and will pursue the degrees required for it. Parker Sr. would have been a mentor in this process, just like he was in Parker’s playing career. 

“An exceptional person 🙏🙏,” wrote another fan while referring to Tony Parker Sr. He was always a humble man despite his son being among the best players of his generation and from France. “I don’t want to say that my son is the best. All his teammates are like my sons, and I don’t like to make comparisons to others. But Tony’s generation changed French basketball. Now players realize they have the potential to play in the NBA.” Parker Sr. once said.

When the junior Parker was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2023, he honored his father with just three words, but they were the most important. While nearly in tears, Parker said, “I love you.” Words that will feel heavier today than any other.