Although “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest looks perfectly at home under the bright lights of Hollywood, his life didn’t start there. Parents Gary and Constance “Connie” Seacrest raised Ryan alongside his sister, Meredith, in an Atlanta suburb. They may not have their own place in the spotlight, but they’re been an integral part of Ryan’s life and journey through fame. Here are five fast facts you need to know about the proudly supportive parents behind one of TV’s most recognizable hosts.
1. Ryan’s Parents Grew Up Within Miles of Each Other
GettyAlthough they didn’t begin a relationship until early adulthood, Connie and Gary were familiar with each other as youngsters. The pair spoke with The Wall Street Journal in 2015, and Gary shared that he and his now wife went to competing schools. “I played basketball against her team, and she was a cheerleader, so I knew who she was,” he said. The couple both started their lives in Southern Pennsylvania.
2. Gary & Connie Started Dating During The Vietnam War
Connie & Gary began their romance during the Vietnam war, when Gary was attending Officer Candidate School and Connie was working as a wedding planner. A mutual friend suggested Gary invite Connie to a dance, and the rest is Seacrest family history. However, what makes this reunion especially unique is where it happened: The pair were no longer in their native Pennsylvania. Instead, life had steered both of them down to Georgia — an extremely happy coincidence. The pair have now been married for over 50 years.
3. Ryan’s Parents Settled in Suburban Atlanta to Raise Their Family
GettyRyan and sister Meredith grew up in Dunwoody, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. His parents morphed from army lieutenant and wedding planner to defense attorney and homemaker once Gary’s time in the service ended. “I wasn’t sure she should marry a soldier with the Vietnam War going on,” Gary said of their decision to build a life together. “But we decided to do it and spend some time together before whatever would happen.” Gary spent two years serving in Germany before the couple made Atlanta their family home.
4. They Were a Little Hesitant About Ryan’s Career Choice at First, But Supported Him
GettyHearing that your child wants to pursue stardom can be difficult for any parent, and Gary and Connie were understandably a bit hesitant at first. “I told Gary, ‘You’re a great attorney. Let me see you win this battle,'” Connie told The Wall Street Journal of her initial uneasiness.
However, the couple have been extremely supportive of Ryan all throughout his career, and have even made some public appearances by his side. For example, The Daily Mail reported that the couple flew to New York City to appear in the studio audience for a 2022 episode of “Live With Kelly and Ryan.”
5. Connie & Gary Have Both Battled Cancer
GettyOn a recent episode of “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” Ryan revealed that his father has been battling prostate cancer for quite some time. Sadly, Gary isn’t the only one in the family who has faced a cancer diagnosis. As The New York Post reported, Connie faced her own struggles with cancer, and is now in remission. “When you’re a kid, no one tells you how to handle this with your parents,” Seacrest said of supporting Gary and Connie through their health issues. The family remains a united front as they navigate Gary’s illness.
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Ryan Seacrest: 5 Fast Facts About The Host’s Proudly Supportive Parents