DL Hughley’s eldest daughter Ryan Shepard is opening up about her “turbulent” relationship with her father. As well as how the two overcame their challenges and mended their relationship.
Ryan Shepard Shares How Her Daughter Has Affected Her Relationship With Her Father
Shepard took to Instagram on March 10 and shared a short video of her father and daughter Nola interacting warmly. In the video’s caption, she recounted that she and her father had a “tumultuous” relationship.
“I have never openly talked about the fact that until very recently my father and I had a rather turbulent relationship. I think I got to a place where I decided that I would stop hoping that things would get better and just accept what happened.”
However, the birth of their daughter has allowed them to forge a “deeper connection”.
“And then, everything changed. Initially, we built a deeper relationship with Nola. But then my dad stopped calling just to see her and started calling to check on me…”
Shepard went on to explain that observing the relationship between her father and daughter had “healed the little parts” inside her.
“I found myself in a space where I thought I would be fine if I wasn’t in it. But now that we are here, my heart is overflowing. I was a late daddy’s daughter and watched the relationship grow between Him (lol) and Nola continue to heal the little girl parts of me that I thought I had given up on.”
Additionally, she went on to share some words of encouragement for anyone else facing a difficult relationship with their parents.
“If you find yourself having a difficult relationship with your parents, know that even if you can’t see it, things can still get better.”
Shepard previously shared details of her relationship with her father
Shepard is the founder of Brown Sugar + Bourbon and regularly takes to social media to share delicious, healthy recipes. As well as advice for postpartum mothers. The wife and mother of one child, has taken to Instagram several times over the years to reflect on the development of her relationship with her father.
A post made in October 2022.
“100% recommend becoming your parents’ best friend as an adult. Most interesting @realdlhughley”
Shepard shared another post in June 2021 and explained that she and her father “battled hard” to get to where the relationship is today.
“There was a time in our not-so-distant past where I didn’t think a picture like this, of me taking care of my daughter while you sit next to me, would be possible. We fought hard to get where we are today…”
She admitted that she was very difficult with her father. But becoming a mother has given her “more grace” over Hughley and their relationship.
“I was never easy on you. I asked you to become more, sooner, faster, better than you were ready to be… Being a mother now… has brought me so much grace to you, us and our relationship.
When I look at this photo, my heart just swells. I see a father still covering his daughter while she is a mother. I saw a man who loved his little daughter the way she always wanted to be loved by him. I see you showing up for me in every way imaginable. You have never been as emotionally or physically ready as you are now and it was the most unexpected joy of my life.”
Shepard has not publicly revealed exactly why her relationship with DL Hughley has been “shrouded” and facing its challenges. However, her above post may lead some viewers to suggest that Hughley’s emotional or physical availability may have negatively impacted their relationship.
More about DL Hughley and his relationship with his children
Hughley is also the father of a son, Kyle Hughley, and a daughter, Tyler Hughley. The comedian opened up about his son’s Asperger’s diagnosis in a 2015 episode of ‘Where are they’ on OWN.
“He goes to work at the same time. He eats the same thing.
But despite the challenge, his son made strides, forging a career in amateur competition.
Hughley’s daughter Tyler has also shared important moments with her father via social media.
Furthermore, Hughley and his wife LaDonna, the mother of his three children, have just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary.
