Justin and Hailey Bieber mourn grandfather Bruce Dale's death, share heartbreaking tribute: ‘I can't wait to see u again soon in heaven…'

Indian Express

27-04-2025

Justin Bieber is mourning the death of his grandfather Bruce Dale, who died at the age of 80. In a string of social media updates, the popstar, reeling from the loss of his 'Papa,' shared a montage of videos from childhood, photos reminiscing about his early days, and how he used to convince his grandfather for corn nuts, Skittles, gum balls, sneaking them under granny's watchful eyes. In one post, both Hailey and Justin looked visibly heartbroken as fans jumped into the comments section to console them. This tough time in Justin's life comes just as he is surrounded by claims about his mental health, rumours about marriage, constant paparazzi clashes, and questionable social media posts recalling his past mistakes, sometimes even labelling himself as a fraud. Lately, fans have noticed he's been looking tired and worn out.
Justin and Hailey pay tribute to grandpa Bruce Dale
'Papa, I always took all ur money lol. I remember u specifically telling me, gramma gave u an allowance of 20 dollars for the WEEK,' Justin Bieber wrote in a social media post alongside a photo from his childhood admiring his grandpa, who passed away peacefully on Thursday at the Rotary Hospice in Stratford Perth. Describing some sweet and memorable moments from their time together, the 'Yummy' crooner wrote how he used to convince his grandpa to take him to hockey games on Friday nights, even though Bruce was supposed to save that money. He also gave a funny shoutout to the hockey referees who had to put up with Bruce's heckling during games, 'Shout out to the jr b referees Beatty, Fagon, Flanagan lmfao.'
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He laughed about how his grandpa would call out the referees without holding back, saying, 'My grandpa wasn't shy in letting them know that they were being pieces of s–ts.' Justin's tribute ended with a heartbreaking line, 'I can't wait to see u again soon in heaven… I will miss u. I will ache. And I'll sit and let myself remember all of the wonderful times we've had.' Minutes later, Hailey Bieber reposted Justin's tribute on her Instagram Story and simply wrote. 'Love you, Grandpa Bruce.'
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Fans quickly filled Justin Bieber's Instagram with love and condolences. One fan commented, 'Sending every drop of love I have man. And praying for all Love to find you and strengthen you every step and moment of the way.' Another added, 'Bruce was such a light to be around. Sending you and your family my love.' Bruce Dale's death came as a major shock to Justin's fans as well. For the unversed, he actually appeared in Justin's famous 2011 documentary Never Say Never. Years later, Bruce even helped showcase the pop star's early career at the Stratford Perth Museum, which held an exhibit about the singer.
Justin shared a second post, a black-and-white video from his childhood, where he is seen slipping out of his mother's hand to run towards his grandpa, who joyfully hugs him before pulling him into a tight embrace. 'Poor baby, probably the only time he felt safe. Praying for you, Justin, and that all the things that harm you come to an end,' a fan wrote. 'Midnight 'til morning, call if you need somebody, I will be there for you. You were there for us, Justin. We are here for you,' another fan wrote.
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According to Bruce Dale's official obituary, he is survived by his children — sons Chris Mallette and Chris Dale, and daughters Candie Toper and Pattie Mallette (Justin's mom). His grandchildren include Amanda Buck, Justin and Chantel McNaught. His great-grandkids are Austin, Lucas, Riley, Raymond, Reese, and Jack-Blues.
Justin Bieber announced his new album comeback last year and has since been dropping glimpses and updates about it. However, fans who were once excited are now growing concerned over his questionable behaviour. On April 24, he posted a message on his Instagram Story that felt like a direct response to all the noise: 'JESUS FORGIVES WHO THE CULTURE NEVER FORGIVES.' He explained that even though people on the internet constantly trash him, he reminds himself that he has his own issues too, and if God can forgive him, he can find peace without stooping to their level. Also quashing all the marriage rumours surrounding his relationship with Hailey, he joked that if he were someone else looking at his life with Hailey, he might be jealous too. He didn't hold back: 'Honestly, if I were you, it would be hard not to be jealous if I saw me and Hailey going so brazyyy. It's really up to us, and that's understandable why people can't stand it. I don't blame 'em.'