Entertainment Music Paula Abdul's Father Harry Dies One Year After Her Mother's Death: He 'Always Will Be My Superhero' The former American Idol judge confirmed the sad news on her social media accounts Wednesday afternoon By Joelle Goldstein Joelle Goldstein Twitter Joelle Goldstein is a TV Staff Editor for PEOPLE Digital. She has been with the brand for five years, beginning her time as a digital news writer, where she covered everything from entertainment news to crime stories and royal tours. Since then, she has worked as a writer-reporter on the Human Interest team and an associate editor on the TV team. In her current role, Joelle oversees all things TV and enjoys being able to say she has to watch The Kardashians, Dancing with the Stars and America's Got Talent for "work". Prior to joining PEOPLE, Joelle was employed at The Hollywood Reporter. She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Television-Radio (and an appearance in the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four!) People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 17, 2019 06:35 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Paula Abdul is remembering her father Harry after he died just one year after her mother Lorraine. The former American Idol judge, 56, confirmed the sad news on her social media accounts Wednesday and wrote a touching tribute to her father, whom she said was her “superhero” and had a “heart of gold.” “My Father was, and always will be, my superhero. ♥️🙏🏼” she wrote alongside several photos of the pair together. “Thank you ALL for the heartfelt condolences. Your love and support is comforting me during this difficult time. xoP” Chris Polk/FilmMagic Paula also added a video with her father, in which she sat beside him and told him, “I love my daddy more than anything in the world! I love you to pieces,” before planting several kisses on his cheek. “‘Dad: a daughters first love.’ – Unknown — Everyone loved my father,” she captioned the sweet clip. “He had a heart of gold and carried his heart on his sleeve wherever he went, and shared it with everyone he came in contact with.” “Isn’t it a beautiful gift that I still feel his spirit with me?” she added. Harry died at his home outside of Los Angeles after a long battle with Alheizmer’s disease, according to Radar Online. He was 85. Paula Abdul Was ‘By Her Mom’s Side’ as Mother Lorraine Died at Age 85 Paula’s mother Lorraine died in her California home in January 2018 at age 85. “Lorraine died with her daughters Paula and Wendy by her side,” Abdul’s cousin Tara Riceberg told PEOPLE. “Paula was able to be by her mom’s side and give her comfort in her final moments.” “Lorraine was a single mom and a very strong and fierce woman. She raised two daughters and both Paula and Wendy are strong females who understand discipline,” Riceberg continued. “Their mom’s influence made them the women they are today.” A private service, led by Rabbi Chaim Mentz, Chabad of Bel Air, was held shortly after. Paula requested Nat King Cole’s “Sweet Lorraine” be played as they took her mother’s body from the chapel to the car. Paula Abdul with her parents. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Paula later opened up about the tough loss on Instagram, and in addition to sharing a photo with her mother, spoke to Lorraine’s everlasting love. “With all my heart, I thank you all for your thoughtful, heart-filling messages. As usual, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your kindness. ❤️” she captioned the sweet shot. “For those of you whose mothers are still with you, cherish her. ❤️ For those of us whose mothers have gone on, isn’t it amazing how they never really leave us?” she wrote. “I can still feel my mother’s love. It’s tangible & I cannot describe how significant, beautiful & meaningful that is for me. xoP ❤️#paulaabdul #mom #iloveyou#iloveyoumom #mothers#amotherslove #loveyoumom”