The 54-year-old stand-up comedian receives support from his celebrity friends such as Taraji P. Henson, Tyrese Gibson and others after he shares a video from Brandon's funeral.
- Feb 6, 2023
AceShowbiz - Rickey Smiley has said a final goodbye to his son Brendon Smiley. Over the weekend, the stand-up comedian revealed that his eldest child has been laid to rest.
Making use of Instagram, the 54-year-old shared a video from Brandon's funeral service. He captioned it, "I had to say goodbye to my son #BrandonSmiley today, but #God is still good and I won't complain."
Rickey has been showered with support from his famous pals, including Taraji P. Henson, who commented, "Holding you and your family up in prayer." Tyrese Gibson replied, "Prayers King! I'm so sorry your carrying this me and @kimburrelllove just prayed for you King….. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family!!!" while T.I. added, "damn bro, my heart hurts for you."
Rickey confirmed Brandon's death on January 29. "I just had bad news this morning. I'm on the way to the airport to get to Birmingham. I just want everybody to pray for me, pray for our family," Rickey said in an Instagram video. "My son, Brandon Smiley, has passed away this morning."
"I hate to announce this, but I just want to give it to you before you hear it in the streets," Rickey added, before assuring that he is "okay." He continued, "I just want all my cousins and different family members to pray, be strong, and I'm OK. Pray for my son's mother and my son's siblings, everybody that was raised with Brandon."
Days later, the comic admitted that he has been stuck in a "terrible nightmare" following Brandon's passing. "I feel bad for my other kids. My kids are confused. They don't know what to do. I just never thought I would be a member of an organization where you have to bury your kids. It's a terrible nightmare," he lamented in an emotional video.
When he first heard the news of Brandon's death the cause of which hasn't been disclosed, Rickey didn't cry due to "shock" and described his emotions as being like "somebody stomping on my chest and it's just non-stop." He added, "Tears are coming down your eyes but you ain't crying. And then you crying and ain't no tears coming down your eyes."
