On Tuesday, May 12, Fox News co-host Kat Timpf announced the unexpected passing of her father, Daniel “Dad Timpf” Timpf, who died at the age of 69 on May 7. Timpf shared the news in a lengthy public statement, honoring her father and reflecting on his profound role in her life as a constant source of support, inspiration, and guidance. The announcement has drawn widespread condolences from colleagues and supporters across various platforms.
"It does not seem like enough to simply call him my father, because he was so much more than that. He was my rock, my hero and my best friend." — Kat Timpf, Fox News Co-host
Daniel Timpf’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by the family, and details regarding funeral or memorial services following his death earlier this month have not yet been released. According to Kat Timpf, her father appeared healthy and robust in the days leading up to his passing, which has made the loss particularly shocking for family members and close friends. His sudden departure has left those who knew him grappling with grief and unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Kat Timpf’s tribute underscored the deep bond she shared with her father. She articulated that simply calling him her father did not fully encapsulate the depth of their relationship, describing him as much more. "It does not seem like enough to simply call him my father, because he was so much more than that," Timpf wrote in her public statement. She further elaborated on his significance, stating, "He was my rock, my hero and my best friend," highlighting the intimate and foundational role he played throughout her life and career. This sentiment resonated deeply with many who followed her announcement, understanding the profound impact of such a loss.
In her tribute, Timpf praised her father’s character and personality, painting a picture of a man defined by his unwavering loyalty, dependable nature, selflessness, and profound devotion to his children and wider family. "He was loyal, funny, kind, selfless, hard-working, and so devoted to his children that it was impossible to be near him and not find yourself inspired," she wrote, emphasizing the inspiring presence he embodied. These qualities, she noted, were evident to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him, making his loss particularly keenly felt within his circle.
Beyond his personal attributes, the Fox News contributor also highlighted her father’s broad interests and diverse talents. Daniel Timpf was described as being passionate about a variety of pursuits, including writing, painting, and sailing. His intellectual curiosity was equally vast; Timpf remarked on his extensive knowledge across a wide spectrum of subjects. "He was a writer, a painter, a sailor, and somehow knowledgeable on every subject from world history to literature to accounting," she stated, illustrating the breadth of his intellectual engagement and his continuous pursuit of learning. She added that her father was "the most dependable person anyone has ever met," asserting that his consistent presence provided a sense of stability and encouragement to those around him, a quality deeply valued by his family and friends.
The announcement of Daniel Timpf's death comes as the family has navigated several other significant losses and challenges in recent years. Kat Timpf reflected on the 2014 death of her mother, Anne Marie Timpf, who passed away from a rare disease shortly after receiving a diagnosis. More recently, Kat Timpf herself publicly revealed her own health struggles, including a breast cancer diagnosis that emerged shortly before the birth of her first child in February 2025. She recounted how her father immediately drove from Michigan to New York upon learning of her diagnosis, arriving as her son was born on his own birthday. This journey underscored his steadfast commitment and support during a critical time for his daughter, demonstrating his unwavering dedication.
A close bond quickly developed between Daniel Timpf and his grandson, marked by frequent visits and daily FaceTime conversations, demonstrating the joy and connection he found in his new role as a grandfather. Kat Timpf shared that she last saw her father just days before his death, recalling a poignant moment when her young son helped push his grandfather’s suitcase to the car before a planned family trip to Texas. This memory now serves as one of the last cherished moments of their time together, adding a layer of bittersweet reflection to her tribute.
Adding to the family's recent grief, Kat Timpf also disclosed that they had endured another loss just days prior to her father's passing: her beloved cat, Cheens, died less than a week before Daniel Timpf. This series of events, occurring in quick succession, has undoubtedly compounded the emotional toll on the family, presenting a period of intense and concentrated grief.
In lieu of sending flowers, Timpf requested that supporters consider making donations to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She specified this organization, noting that it had played a crucial role in her own cancer treatment during the previous year. This request serves as a way to honor her father's memory while simultaneously supporting a cause that has personally impacted her and her family, channeling grief into a philanthropic effort.
Following her public announcement, several of Kat Timpf’s colleagues from Fox News extended their condolences and messages of support. Guy Benson, Griff Jenkins, and Jessica Tarlov were among those who publicly shared their sympathy for Timpf and her family during this difficult period, reflecting the community of support within her professional circle. The outpouring of sympathy from her network and audience highlights the impact of her father's life and the shared grief felt by many who follow her work.
