Decades after his death, Jane Fonda is speaking out about her final moments with her dad, Henry Fonda, whom she was estranged from. In a new interview, the star recalled the powerful moment they shared during his final moments, and their move to reconcile their fragile bond.
A video excerpt from the actress’ anticipated appearance on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace showed the star reminiscing on one of the few emotional moments she ever shared with her late dad. According to her, she got to see her dad and the infamous actor Henry Fonda break down and weep for the first time in the days leading to his death. She recalled:
“He didn’t say anything. But he wept. I had never seen that before. I’d never seen my father break down and weep. And I — it was, it was powerful.”
While that moment was one she would forever cherish, Jane felt even more at peace knowing they resolved some of their differences. The 85-year-old revealed that she got the chance to forgive her dad, and tell him she loved him before his passing. She only hoped her late dad did the same and forgave her for not being a better daughter.
Henry Fonda’s Daughter Jane Fonda Reveals Her Biggest Fear, And It’s Not Death
As the interview progressed, the All Together star explained the importance of “clearing everything up” with loved ones before death. She began by admitting dying didn’t scare her, asking her interviewer, Chris Wallace what he thought. After Chris admitted he was in fact, “not looking forward” to dying just yet, Jane reiterated her stance on the subject, saying she was. However, she admitted she had a lot to do before embarking on the adventure. The star also opened up about the one thing she feared the most, saying:
“What I’m really scared of is getting to the end of life with a lot of regrets when there’s no time to do anything about it.”
Thankfully, having spent eight and half decades on earth, the Grace and Frankie star had “very few regrets.” One such regret was her approach to parenting. Jane Fonda, who had a strained relationship with her dad Henry Fonda during his lifetime, admittedly wished she had a better relationship with her own kids. She divulged:
“I was not the kind of mother that I wished that I had been to my children. I have great children, talented, smart. And I just didn’t know how to do it.”
Notably, Jane Fonda is mom to three children, including Hollywood star Troy Garity, notable for his role in the Barbershop film series, and social activist Mary Williams. The actress, who has been open about her battle with cancer, went into remission in December ahead of her 85th birthday. At the time, the star revealed how much she appreciated the second chance to put her many good causes in motion before her passing. So far, she has done just that, making sure to leave a lasting legacy behind.