Stevie's Dad

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by seeknpeace

This is a heartbreaking thing for this entire family. Someone who gets lost in the equation is Chris. He loved his dad fiercely. The one time he would get a sparkle in his eye and his attention would totally change would be when Jess would come around. He always made sure to have his dad's favorite beverage in his travel home, he was always attentive and respectful. He loved his dad very much, in the background.

My heart breaks for the entire family. Stevie and Chris will come together to grieve, I am sure. Just don't forget Chris if you light a candle, say a prayer, or pause for a moment of reflection. I know we all will remember Stevie.

Jan

Hello Jan!!!!!

It is good to see you and I hope you are doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

I agree, it is devastating for the whole Nicks family. They have been in my thoughts all day.

[jkmaletic]

Excellent idea with posting the AHI link!

I just decided to do the San Diego Heart Walk September 17th. (wow- I just realized the date - the 17th.) I plan to walk in memory of Jess Nicks.
Anyone who would like to sponsor me can PM me.
~Jamie

[Dealer]

Tears are drying on my face staring at the screen because I feel the need to say something but not sure what. And it's not so much for the death of a gentleman I never met. It's more for the man that I called Dad. We had an extremely complicated relationship that I don't know that I'll ever quite figure out. After his death I've even been told he wasn't my real dad. Doesn't matter. We overcame a thousand reasons to hate each other and made something where there was nothing for a long time. And then right about the time that he died "Touched by an Angel" showed up like a secret little gift and it helped me feel a little bit better..just like we all learn to do when we lose someone like that...and because the words were so very appropriate to my family's situation.
I guess I just wish I could give back that special thing that Stevie's words bring to me and let her know I was sharing her pain and thinking of her.....and maybe I just did.......RIP Jess.....and God Bless.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by Dealer

Tears are drying on my face staring at the screen because I feel the need to say something but not sure what. And it's not so much for the death of a gentleman I never met. It's more for the man that I called Dad. We had an extremely complicated relationship that I don't know that I'll ever quite figure out. After his death I've even been told he wasn't my real dad. Doesn't matter. We overcame a thousand reasons to hate each other and made something where there was nothing for a long time. And then right about the time that he died "Touched by an Angel" showed up like a secret little gift and it helped me feel a little bit better..just like we all learn to do when we lose someone like that...and because the words were so very appropriate to my family's situation.
I guess I just wish I could give back that special thing that Stevie's words bring to me and let her know I was sharing her pain and thinking of her.....and maybe I just did.......RIP Jess.....and God Bless.

Just simply wanted to say: -------->

[SandyMac]

Originally Posted by Songbird4

I am keeping Stevie and her familiy in my thoughts and prayers. I have a wonderful memory of Jess dancing to Don't Stop in his wheelchair in Atlanta in 2003. He was adorable. And from what I understand he was a wonderful man who was loved by many.

My grandmother passed away on Tuesday morning. We had just had a family party on Sunday and she was able to see everyone. I had extended my trip up to Boston on Monday so that I could spend a little more time with her and then she passed away Tuesday morning. She died in her sleep which was a saving grace for us. She didn't suffer any more than she had to. And it is nice to know that now she is finally at peace. I'm glad that Stevie was finished with her tour. I really think that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason that Stevie finished on Saturday and there is a reason that I extended my stay just a few more days. It doesn't make it easier, but it helps to be close by and not have to travel to get to your family. Unfortunately there really isn't anything that anyone can say to make it all better right now, and I am sure that Stevie feels the same way. It takes time, but it helps to have your family and friends around.

I also want to extend my condolences to all the Ledgies that have also lost loved ones, especially parents. From what I can see with my mom and her siblings it is very difficult. I hope that you have the rest of your family there for support.

~Kim

Kim, I am sorry for the loss of your Grandmother. My Grandmother passed just 2 years ago yesterday. I still think of her often and hold her memory and love in my heart. I also want to extend my sympathies to the other Legies on the board that have lost someone close to them.

[sarafield]

Aw man, I was just watching The Dance this a.m. before work and saw the "This is for you Daddy" part. Sad news.

[ShangriLaTroubl]

I'm just finding out the news, how sad...my thoughts go to Stevie and her family...RIP Jesse

Chris

[LeighB04]

"Emotion Runs Deep Between Stevie Nicks and her Dad" Cox News Service, Linda Romine

Jess Nicks always knew his daughter would succeed. But he had no idea she would become one of the leading female rock singers of her generation, or that he would one day have to help her fight for her life.

Today, at 42, Stevie Nicks is a bona fide star who juggles a dual career as a solo artist anda 15-year veteran of supergroup Fleetwood Mac.

Meanwhile, her father, a crusty 65-year-old, runs Compton Terrace, an amphitheater he built southwest of Phoenix. Last weekend, a few days after his daughter and Fleetwood Mac had performed there, he reflected on the love he and Stevie share.

"Most fathers and daughters have a special relationship," he said. "Fathers tend to spoil their little girls."

As a little girl, Stevie lived an affluent life. Jess Nicks worked as a corporate executive who traveled the world.

Throughout their childhood, Stevie and her younger brother, Christopher, moved with their parents from Phoenix to El Paso, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. But Arizona has been home to the Nickses for the past 20 years, and Stevie's home is six blocks away from her parents'.

Spend time talking with Jess and Stevie Nicks and their deep affection for one another is overwhelmingly apparent. Each recalls humourous experiences that have bonded tehm through the years, and each becomes sentimental to the point of tears.

"Stevie's been spoiled all her life," Jess Nicks explained unapologetically. "Poor little thing," he began, as a smile crossed his face. "Once she wanted a special little pair of shoes, and her mother told her no, that they were too expensive. So Stevie didn't tell me about that, but she came to me and asked me if I would buy her the shoes. Of course I bought them for her."

He puffed on his cigarette and grinned. "Burned her mother up."

Jess savors another memory, from Stevie's high school years. The occasion was a father-daughter night in which he and Stevie performed to a recording of "King of the Road."

"I was singing away, and Stevie was singing away," he said between howls of laughter. "Well, she gets to laughing, and I get to laughing, and I'll be damned if she didn't wet her pants - right there on stage!"

"I got the giggles during the first line, 'Trailer for sale or rent,' and I was just hysterical," Stevie remembered with amusement. "And we had actually practiced this! We practiced for a week! But he kept on singing - he's got a really good voice - and he would give me this look like, 'How could you do this to me?' "

Another indication of the closeness Stevie shares with her dad is reflected in the steady stream of affectionate notes they send to one another. A sample of Jess's most recent card to Stevie: "A son is a son until he takes a wife," he said, as tears filled his eyes. He paused to gather his composure, and continued. "But my daughter is my daughter every day of her life..."

Career pressures have been hard on Jess Nick's daughter, who four years ago was addicted to prescription drugs, he said. At the time, Jess and Barbara Nicks feared their superstar daughter would either die from her chemical dependency or commit suicide. After repeated attempts to help her, they flew to Los Angeles one night and convinced her to enter the Betty Ford Center in California.

"She resisted it when we confronted her with it," he said. "She was concerned...that it would be publicized and be detrimental to her career. We spentmost of the night with her and convinced her though, that it was for her health. Finally, she said, 'OK, Daddy, I'll do it.'

"It's tough. It's really tough," he said, shaking his head. "Christ, the career means nothing ot the parents when it comes to the health of your children."

Stevie Nicks remembered her parents' lifesaving intervention from a different perspective.

"He basically said to me, 'How could you possibly even consider putting me through not having you for the rest of my life?' " she recalled quietly. "He said, 'Do you have any idea what it would do to me if you weren't around? You may be rock 'n' roll star to the rest of the world, but you still my daughter, and if you were to die...' "

Overcome with emotion, she could not continue the sentence.

After 28 days at the Betty Ford Center, Stevie was determined to turn her life around. And she has.

"It is scary. It is frightening, " she explained. "But I walked out of those doors saying to myself, 'I'm gonna win this. I'm not gonna disappoint my dad. I'm not going to break his heart.' "

Today, father and daughter are proud of her hard-won sobriety. As life's challenges continue, Jess continues to inspire his beloved daughter. "I can always go home," Stevie explained, as if reassuring herself. "Everybody who knows me knows when it comes to me, there is nothing first in my dad's mind. He could give two cents about everbody else. I am the only one that matters."

"It's wonderfuld to have a father like that."

[seeker007nmss]

Originally Posted by LeighB04

"Emotion Runs Deep Between Stevie Nicks and her Dad" Cox News Service, Linda Romine

"It's wonderfuld to have a father like that."

um....already posted previously up above (post 14). But I thought so too!

[mikeschmike]

"This is for you Daddy..."

My condolences to the entire Nicks family and to everyone who was touched by the warmth and kindness that was Jess Nicks. Also to all of the Ledgies who were complled to share their own stories of grief and loss...my heart goes out to you. Whether you're 57 or twelve, the death of a parent is shattering. I wish all of you peace during your own personal mourning, and I wish the same for Stevie and her family.

[LeighB04]

Originally Posted by seeker007nmss

um....already posted previously up above (post 14). But I thought so too!

Sorry... didn't read every message.. but it's so beautiful, it bears repeating

[wondergirl9847]

My condolences go out to Stevie, her family and those who loved Jesse Nicks. May God bring them comfort in this time of sorrow.

[Lisa1769]

This is so saddening. My thoughts will be with them.

[enchantd1]

This is such sad news. I will keep Stevie and all of her family in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it would be to lose a parent. I also offer my deepest sympathies to all the Ledgies here who have posted about recently losing loved ones as well.

[JazmenFlowers]

I have been so sick over this news I can't even search my usual sites or post on the Ledge. Such sad news a such a huge loss.

Much love to Stevie/Nicks family and everyone touched by her dad...

"so I close my eyes softly til I become that part of the wind" - makes me want to cry