Nikki Haley announced on Sunday that her father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, has passed away. The sad news coincided with Father's Day celebrations in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, which take place on the third Sunday of June each year.
In a heartfelt social media post, Haley expressed her deep sorrow at the loss of her father, describing him as the smartest, sweetest, kindest, and most decent man she had ever known. She shared a photo from a campaign event in South Carolina, where she had announced her presidential bid, reminiscing about his influence on her life.
Haley highlighted her father's values of faith, hard work, and grace, emphasizing his role as a loving husband of 64 years, a devoted grandfather and great grandfather, and a remarkable father to his four children. She concluded her message with a touching tribute to her father on Father's Day, expressing the family's profound sense of loss.
While the cause of Ajit Singh Randhawa's death was not disclosed in Haley's post, reports indicated that he had been battling an unspecified type of cancer. Randhawa, originally from India's Punjab region, pursued his education in Canada before settling in South Carolina in 1969, where he became a respected educator at Voorhees College.
Haley, who later served as the governor of South Carolina and as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, temporarily paused her presidential campaign earlier this year to be by her father's side during his hospitalization. The family's bond and Randhawa's lasting impact on his loved ones were evident in Haley's emotional tribute.
The news of Randhawa's passing comes after Haley withdrew from the 2024 Republican primary race, ultimately paving the way for former President Trump's candidacy. Despite the political developments, Haley's focus has been on honoring her father's memory and the profound legacy he leaves behind.
