Harry Connick Sr., father of award-winning singer and actor, dies aged 97
The father of singer Harry Connick Jr., Harry Connick Sr., has died at the age of 97.
Harry Connick Sr. died at his home in New Orleans Thursday with his wife, Londa, and his two children - Harry Connick Jr. and Suzanna at his bedside, according to an obituary from Harry Connick Jr.'s publicist.
No cause of death was given, but the statement read that the late New Orleans' district attorney died peacefully. He served the Louisiana city for three decades and later faced allegations that his team withheld evidence that could have helped defendants.
READ MORE: Singer Dani Li dies aged 42 after complications during liposuction operation
He died Thursday surrounded by family
Harry Jr. called his dad his 'inspiration' (© Channel 5)Harry Sr. first took office in 1973 when he beat incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison. The singer's father went on to be reelected four times until his retirement in 2003.
Australian Idol contestant suffers medical emergency after judges' comments
AP received a statement from current New Orleans district attorney Jason Williams who shared his condolences. "Mr. Connick remains the longest-tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families. Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time," Jason said.
Harry Jr., 56, has yet to comment on his father's passing personally, but he has referred to his father as an "inspiration." He posted a selfie of the two wearing matching New Orleans Saints hats and Harry Sr. in a fun coloured robe.
"Hangin' with my dad - my FAVORITE thing in the world! i come to see him about once a month in New Orleans and it's still not enough! at 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration... i love you sooooo much, dad!!!" Harry Jr. captioned the post from November 1.
While Harry Sr. was a prominent attorney, he also had a love of music that he shared with his son. Harry Sr. owned two record stores in New Orleans and he and his son were some of the founders of the New Orleans musical organization Krewe of Orpheus.
Harry Sr. performed at jazz clubsThe late father also performed regularly at jazz clubs in the famed French Quarter when he wasn't handling court cases. As district attorney, Harry Sr. shut down adult book shops, worked to curb prostitution in the city, and was a staunch defender of the death penalty for first-degree murder cases.
He faced controversy in 2011 when John Thompson filed a lawsuit with the United States Supreme Court. John was exonerated after being on death row for 14 years for a murder he did not commit.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 overturning the $14 million (about £11 million) settlement for John, ruling that the District Attorney's office shouldn't be penalized for "not specifically training prosecutors on their obligations to share evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence," according to the AP.
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
