Sylvester "Cully" Union Jr., the father of actress Gabrielle Union, died at age 81 after living with dementia. Union announced her father's death in a tribute posted on Instagram on Saturday, describing her experience of gradually losing him to the disease over a period of years.

Union, who has publicly shared details of her father's yearslong struggle with dementia, wrote about the progression of the illness in the post. "First it's repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can't swallow or walk," she wrote in her Saturday tribute.

Sylvester Union was placed in memory care in 2023. In November of that year, his daughter posted a birthday tribute for him on Instagram. On his 80th birthday, she shared a separate Instagram post noting the family and friends who showed up to celebrate him.

In her Saturday post, Union recalled a moment during one gathering when her father briefly appeared to return to his former self. "That's why it brought tears to everyone's eyes, watching my party loving, Crown drinking, smart ass Dad return in full form for a few hours, it was the best gift we could've all received," she wrote.

Union also reflected on her father's personal growth over the course of his life. "Over time he evolved, acknowledged his imperfections, apologized, and made amends for as long as it took for the hurts to heal," she wrote.

In her tribute, Union wrote that she knows her father's love is eternal and will find her in every realm. She thanked the medical and memory care staff who cared for her father during his final years. She also thanked her sisters for stepping up to contribute to his care throughout his illness.