Heartbreak and Healing: Ariel Rivera Opens Up About His Father’s Last Moments

In a deeply emotional interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, singer-actor Ariel Rivera bared his soul, recounting the most painful chapter of his life — the final moments with his beloved father before he passed away in 2019. What was supposed to be an ordinary day turned into a whirlwind of emotions as Ariel rushed to be by his father’s side in his last moments.

It all began with a phone call from his brother Marvin, who informed him that their father had developed sepsis and wasn’t feeling well. At first, the situation seemed manageable, but when Ariel spoke with his father on the phone, he could sense something was off. “He was off-topic,” Ariel recalled, the realization sinking in that something was terribly wrong.

A Son’s Last Words

Time was running out. Ariel quickly booked a flight to Canada, racing against the clock to be with his father. When he arrived, he found his father unconscious, surrounded by machines, fighting for his life in the ICU. The man who had always been a rock for Ariel was now frail and vulnerable.

Standing by his father’s bedside, Ariel fought through his tears. In that moment, he whispered words that would echo in his heart forever: “Thank you, Dad, for everything you’ve done for me. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Mom. If you’re tired, you can rest now.” Those words, simple yet profound, marked a moment of acceptance and the final goodbye.

The Quiet Love of a Father

Ariel shared that his father wasn’t the type to express love with words. Instead, his love was shown through actions — attending basketball games, supporting Ariel’s milestones, and simply being present. “That was his way,” Ariel said, reflecting on how this silent form of love shaped the way he himself expressed affection as a father.

This realization hit Ariel hard as he raised his own children, acknowledging how much he had inherited from his father — a way of loving that wasn’t always vocal but deeply meaningful nonetheless. Through grief, Ariel found the strength to recognize the value of showing love in every form, both through actions and words.

A Shared Grief

Grieving in the public eye is no easy task, especially for someone like Ariel, whose life has been closely followed by fans. Yet, Ariel’s vulnerability on national television was not an act of seeking attention but a cathartic moment that allowed him to connect with others who had experienced similar losses.

The interview resonated with countless viewers who, like Ariel, never had the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones. Social media flooded with messages of support and shared stories, showing how grief, while intensely personal, is also a universal experience.

Strength in Love and Partnership

Throughout this emotional journey, Ariel found unwavering support from his wife, Gelli de Belen. Married for over 25 years, the couple exemplifies a love that has weathered both triumphs and tragedies. Gelli, ever the supportive partner, stood by Ariel as he navigated the heartbreaking loss of his father, giving him the space to grieve while offering her love and strength.

“When you go through something that painful, you really see who’s standing with you,” Ariel shared. “Gelli was right there the whole time.”

A Lasting Legacy

Ariel’s father may no longer be with him, but his lessons — resilience, humility, and love without conditions — continue to guide him. Ariel’s story is a poignant reminder that the people we love never truly leave us; they live on in the way we carry their legacy forward.

For Ariel Rivera, his father’s passing wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a promise to protect his family, love unconditionally, and embody the quiet strength his father had always shown him. In this heartbreaking yet beautiful moment, Ariel reminded us all of the profound impact a parent’s love can have — not in grand gestures, but in the simple, everyday ways that matter most.