John Amos' Daughter Reveals She Learned of Dad's 'Heartbreaking' Death 'Through the Media': 'Left with Many Questions'

Mar. 15, 2025

Shannon Amoslearned of her fatherJohn Amos' death through the news over one month after he died.

News broke on Oct. 1 thatthe famed actor had died on Aug. 21 of natural causesin Los Angeles after his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, released a statement. TheRootsstar was 84.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. wrote. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over."

Hours later, Shannon, 58, shared on Instagram that she was “without words” in the wake of the news.

John Amos (right) and daughter Shannon during Cure Autism Now Celebrates Third Annual “Acts of Love” - After Party at Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles, California, United States.J.Sciulli/WireImage

J.Sciulli/WireImage

“Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st,” she wrote.

“We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”

Shannon continued, “This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”

“My family and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love, calls, and texts. Please continue to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you,” she concluded her post.

Shannon’s relationship with her father had its ups and downs, but in one of his final interviews with PEOPLE in December 2023, John said of his daughter, whomhe’d previously accused of elder abuse, “That is my daughter, my first child. I love her.”

He continued, “K.C. loves his sister. We just have, I guess, what might be best described in the tabloids is an acrimonious relationship, but everything heals in time, and the love is still there.”

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In her brother’s statement sharing the news, K.C. said that the actor — also known for his roles onGood TimesandComing to America— “lived a good life” and that “his legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

source: people.com