Dana Carvey expresses his gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received since announcing the sudden death of his 32-year-old son, Dex.
On Saturday, Carvey (68) posted a message on Instagram and x (formerly known as Twitter) that began, “This is just to say thank you.”
He then expressed that he and his wife, Paula Zwagerman, have been “overwhelmed” by the love, compassion and personal stories people have shared with them.
“We have received so many beautiful messages from people who knew Dex. They have touched us more than words could ever express,” he wrote before revealing his decision to step back from work and social media while he and his family grieve due to loss.
“I’m going to take a break from work and social media — trying to figure out what life looks like now that we’re a family of three,” he wrote. “We’ll heal as best we can and move on. Our dear Dex would have wanted it that way.”
Carvey – who also shares son Thomas, 30, with his wife – captioned his message, “Lots of love, Dana.”
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Dex Carvey.
Al Pereira/Getty
The comedian and Zwagerman announced their son’s death on Instagram on Thursday, revealing that Dex died of an “accidental overdose” on Wednesday.
“Dex packed a lot into those 32 years. He was extremely talented in many things – music, art, filmmaking, comedy – and he pursued them all with passion,” they said. “It’s no exaggeration to say that Dex loved life.”
“And when you were with him, you loved life too,” they continued. “He made everything fun. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends, and his girlfriend, Kaylee. Dex was a wonderful person. His handmade birthday cards are a real treasure. We will miss him forever.”
The couple concluded their message by acknowledging others who are out there under the influence of addiction. “To anyone struggling with addiction or those who love someone struggling with addiction, you are in our hearts and prayers.”
Carvey followed up with two more posts about his son. Alongside a photo of Dex, he wrote: “J… tabloids. This is my boyfriend.” He also shared a video of the father and son teaming up on the project. “Dex and I work together. What a joy,” he mused.
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Several of Carvey’s friends and fellow comedians commented on the post, including Jim Gaffigan, who wrote: “What a great picture. I love the focus you put on telling us about Dex. Such a beautiful tribute to your boy.”
Kevin Nealon — who famously starred opposite Carvey in the 1980s Saturday night live “Hans and Franz” sketch — commented, “I love this picture, Dana. It says so much. God bless you, Dex.”
Dex followed in his father’s footsteps working in comedy and showbiz. He opened Carvey’s 2016 Netflix special A real white manand appeared in 2015 Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser and the 2013 TV miniseries Funster.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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Source: HIS Education