Robert Carradine’s Daughter Ever Says It’s Been ‘One of the Hardest Weeks of My Life’ After Dad’s Death

NEED TO KNOW

• Ever Carradine said she’s been having one of the “hardest weeks” of her life following her dad Robert Carradine’s death

• The late actor died by suicide on Monday, Feb. 23, at the age of 71 following a “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder

• “Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad,” Ever previously said in a tribute to Robert

Ever Carradine is navigating grief after her dad Robert Carradine’s death.

Four days after her father died by suicide at age 71, the Handmaid’s Tale actress, 51, shared that she’s been having one of the “hardest weeks” of her life.

“After one of the hardest weeks of my life, I went to see my friend @joannavargasnyc and she does what she always does and took care of my heart and took a few years off my face,” Ever wrote on her Instagram Stories on Friday, Feb. 27, alongside a selfie with the celebrity esthetician.

Robert’s family told PEOPLE in a statement that the Lizzie McGuire star died on Monday, Feb. 23, following a “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” they said. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.”

“We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder,” the statement continued. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”

According to online records for the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office, the late actor’s death has been ruled a suicide.

Hours after Robert’s death, Ever shared a series of family photos — both old and new — on Instagram alongside a heartbreaking tribute to her late father.

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“My dad died today,” she wrote in the caption. “My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone. If you knew my dad, you know he’s the guy that’s always there.”

Ever went on to praise Robert for always showing up for her and others he loved.

“Growing up in the 70s and 80s with a single dad in Laurel Canyon is not exactly the recipe for a grounded childhood, but somehow mine was,” she continued. “Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back.”

In addition to Ever, Robert is survived by kids Ian and Marika, whom he shared with ex-wife Edie Mani.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

Read the original article on People