It’s a time of profound grief for Tony Parker and his family. Parker Sr., who was 70 at the time of his passing, was a popular hoopster in his own right, and his death hits too close to home. Amid an outpouring of condolences, the 4x NBA champion expressed his grief in a heartbreaking letter. It was accompanied by photographs of his father through the years, including from when he was a kid and his 2023 Hall of Fame induction, when pops got a special shoutout during his acceptance speech. He wrote this tribute in French. The translation reads as follows.

“There are no words strong enough to describe what I feel today. My father, Tony Parker Senior, has left us… He is the one who passed on to me this devouring passion for basketball, this demand, this determination to never give up. It was from him that I learned the value of hard work, the strength of the mind, and most of all, the love of the game,” Parker wrote.

During his Hall of Fame speech a few years ago, Tony Parker choked up when talking about his dad and struggled to find the right words. He said, “I love you,” and Parker Sr., who was sitting in the crowd, raised his fist while holding in his emotions as well. In his tribute message on Instagram, the Spurs legend opened up about his dad, revealing that he was much more than just a father and coach.

“But my father wasn’t just my inspiration. He was a unique figure. On and off the court, he exuded a unique energy. With his smile, his charisma, his outspokenness, and his impeccable three-piece suits, he never left anyone indifferent,” he wrote.

We, of course, know Tony Parker, who was the face of the Spurs for many years and defined French basketball before the likes of Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama emerged on the scene. But it was Parker Sr. who initially became an inspiration for international players, and his son won’t let anyone forget that.

“He inspired an entire generation of basketball players in France, long before basketball took on the importance it holds today. He represented the NBA before its time, with his American accent and his natural way of making everyone around him feel at ease. He paved the way, showed that you could be different, that you could shine, that you could make people love this sport through a strong and genuine personality,” Tony Parker penned.

Tony Parker Sr. was from Chicago and played basketball at Loyola University in the ’70s, in an era where there was no three-point shot. He averaged 17.4 points. He ranked 8th in scoring and 17th in rebounding on Loyola’s all-time career list with totals of 1,605 and 636, respectively.

Parker Sr. went overseas to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands for a professional career before his sons, Tony Jr., TJ, and Pierre, continued the family’s basketball legacy. It’s for that reason, the Spurs legend wrote, “He was much more than a father; he was a guide, a landmark, a pillar. Thanks to him, I understood at a very young age that dreams are built with heart and courage.”

Did you know: Tony Parker Sr. once credited Michael Jordan for inspiring his son!

“I never forced my sons to play basketball. I don’t believe in that. I have three sons, and I let them grow up, giving them the freedom to choose what they wanted to do. Tony chose basketball. But it wasn’t until he saw Michael Jordan play where he finally chose basketball over football,” he said a long time ago.

Tony Parker ended the letter with gratitude for his dad, writing, “Today, a whole part of me is leaving with him… But his spirit, his strength, and everything he passed on to me will continue to live on through me, my brothers, and all those he inspired. Thank you for everything, Dad. I will love you forever.”

Parker Sr.’s death caused a stir of emotions on social media, and plenty of family friends showed love and support through heartfelt comments. Even Jr.’s ex-wife, Eva Longoria, showed her support, posting “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”. Rudy Gobert, who’s shown admiration for the Frenchman, also expressed his condolences.

Rest in Peace, Tony Parker Sr.