Lane Kiffin and his family have been dealing with a lot of sadness since last year. Losing his father and mentor, Monte Kiffin, was incredibly difficult. Even though the pain is still deep, Lane has held onto the lessons his dad taught him. At SEC Media Days, he remembered Monte’s simple but strong rule: “Show up.” Lane continues to do just that, no matter how hard things get. But when it seemed like things might be getting better, another sadness hit the Kiffins. This time, sorrow struck his sister-in-law.

Angela Timmons Kiffin has long been one of Lane’s biggest supporters. Whether it’s cheering on Ole Miss, giving love to his players, or sharing emotional family moments, she’s always been present. After Monte passed on July 11th, Angela put together a touching video montage of family memories. Lane Kiffin even reposted it with just a “wow” and heart emojis—simple, and raw. That moment captured the love they all had for Monte and how deeply his loss was felt.

Angela, Chris Kiffin’s wife, hasn’t just supported Lane; she’s been all-in on the Ole Miss journey. She once thanked quarterback Jaxson Dart on her Instagram story, saying, “Thanks for being a great role model for all the kids who look up to you!” And after Ole Miss crushed Duke 52-20 in the Gator Bowl, she shared another heartfelt moment—this time with defensive tackle JJ Pegues. “Happy for this guy! Always SO awesome to our kids! ❤” she wrote, sharing a photo of her children with the player.

But life has a way of surprising us with sorrow, even during moments of joy.

Angela recently shared the heartbreaking news that her stepmother had passed away unexpectedly. The tribute she posted was filled with love and gratitude—but also served as a gentle reminder to all of us.

“We said goodbye to my step mom yesterday in Texas. I’m sad that her life was suddenly cut short… but find comfort knowing she wasn’t scared of death and that she’s smiling down at us from heaven!” she posted on her IG.

Angela recalled how her stepmother lived fully and with grace. She traveled, stayed curious, kept her mind and body strong, and shared a laugh that now lives on in Angela’s memory. The turnout at the funeral? Proof that she touched many lives. “Her sudden death has reminded me not to take the people we love for granted and appreciate all their positive qualities while we can!!!”

With her father also grieving, Angela asked for prayers and support for him. Through her own sadness, she found a way to encourage others to love more deeply and live each day to the fullest. Her message was not just a goodbye but a call to cherish the present.

Now, as Angela faces her own difficulties, she finds comfort in Lane’s steady support. He has not only managed his own tough times but has also been a source of strength for her. When she shared a heartfelt Instagram post, Lane quietly reposted it with a heart emoji, a simple digital nod that said, ‘I see you, I’m with you.’

Lane Kiffin’s daughter is turning pain into purpose

Lane Kiffin isn’t the only one in his family using love to heal. His daughter, Presley Kiffin, also experienced a tragic loss—and responded with the same heart her family is known for.

Presley’s close friend, 18-year-old tennis player Braun Levi, died in a drunk-driving accident just weeks before graduation. It left his friends, family, and community stunned and heartbroken. Presley poured her grief into a tribute that said it all:

“To the best heart and soul, we love you always and forever.” But she didn’t stop there.

Presley teamed up with Braun’s family to launch the Live Like Braun Foundation, honoring his legacy through acts of community service and creative expression. The foundation’s site reads: “Braun was a ray of sunshine… To Live Like Braun is to love deeply, give freely, be endlessly curious, and live every day to the fullest. LLB 💙💛.”

Through merchandise, surfboard collabs, and community projects, Presley is making sure Braun’s message keeps moving forward. This wasn’t just about coping—it was about continuing a life that inspired others. She helped turn a tragic loss into a mission that helps others heal and remember how to love. Adam Sandler even joined Kiffin’s daughter’s emotional cause, contributing to it.

In a world focused on wins and headlines, the Kiffin family shows us what truly matters: showing up for each other. Through sideline cheers, stadium support, and life’s toughest moments, they prove what family should be.