ATLANTA — Gary Lee Seacrest, father to "American Idol" and "Wheel of Fortune" host Ryan Seacrest, has died. He was 81.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my loving father peacefully passed away earlier this week," Ryan Seacrest wrote in an Instagram post. "My mom, sister and I have peace knowing he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken."

The photos shared to social media Friday include multiple group photos of the family together and a childhood photo of Ryan Seacrest and his father in suits while embracing.

While there was no official announcement about his cause of death, Gary Lee Seacrest previously battled prostate cancer and was recently in the hospital for more than four months, Ryan Seacrest said in a July episode of his

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