Kaitlin Olson is grieving the loss of her father, Don Olson, in a deeply personal message shared with fans on Instagram.
The High Potential actress posted the tribute on May 18, confirming that her father had passed away after a long battle.
In her post, she described her father as her first love, her first protector, and the person she would always consider her favorite. She also opened up about how difficult it felt to share such private grief publicly, admitting that it felt uncomfortable to put something so personal on social media.
She wrote that it felt wrong to pretend everything was normal after such a significant loss, explaining that moving on without acknowledging it felt even harder.
Her words reflected a raw and emotional moment of grief, where nothing seemed adequate enough to describe what she was feeling.
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A deeply personal goodbye
Kaitlin expressed how much her father meant to her and how hard he fought to stay with his family for as long as he could. She shared that no words felt big enough to capture who he truly was, and that she felt incredibly lucky to have been his daughter.
She also wrote about being able to hold his hand as he passed, describing it as both painful and meaningful in a way she would never forget. She ended her message with a promise to him, saying she would keep her word and carry his memory with her always.
Family memories shared publicly
Along with her message, Kaitlin posted a collection of personal photos, including recent pictures of her father, childhood memories, and family moments with her husband, Rob McElhenney. The images reflected a close and loving relationship that spanned many years.
Rob also shared a comment expressing his admiration for Don Olson, saying there was no one like him and describing him as an extraordinary person. He added that he hoped to be even half the man Don was, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.
Don Olson’s life and legacy
Don Olson worked as the publisher of the Portland Tribune in the early 2000s. Those who knew him often described him as supportive, especially when it came to his daughter’s career. He reportedly believed strongly in her talent and encouraged her to follow her passion, even while suggesting she keep a backup plan during her college years.
Family first, always
Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney have been together for many years and are raising two sons, Axel and Leo. The couple has often spoken about the importance of family, even while balancing demanding careers in entertainment.
This loss marks a deeply emotional moment for the family, as they remember a father, grandfather, and loved one whose influence clearly shaped the lives of those closest to him.