Southern Charm fans were able to see where Naomie Olindo gets her work ethic from when she introduced her parents on the show. The reality star is morning the death of her father.

Joel Andre Olindo was a France native who started with nothing and saved up to move to America where he opened one of the best French cuisine restaurants in the south. Naomie revealed that he was silently battling esophageal cancer for a year before his recent passing.

She posted a photo of her and her mother holding Joel’s hand alongside a caption that read: ‘I lost a piece of my heart last Friday. After privately fighting esophageal cancer for 12 excruciating months, my dad lost the only fight he’s ever lost. He died peacefully surrounded by people that loved him more than words can explain. I missed him before he was even gone, and I can’t imagine what this road will be like. If someone you love is fighting this horrible disease, please know my heart is with you and it truly aches for you. There aren’t really words for this pain but I’m very thankful for the kindness and love our friends and family have shown my mom and me during the most difficult time of our life. A wake will be held in Joel’s honor on Saturday 1/4 at Nico from 11-1. If he impacted your life in a tiny way or in a big way, we would love to see you there to celebrate my dad, the most amazing person I have ever known 💙.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6bR6UMBDYd/

She also posted an online obituary for the restaurateur where she detailed his life from Europe to the US.

It read, in part: ‘The bond Joel shared with Carole and Naomie was deep, rare, and their love for each other was palpable. The three were always together working, talking and laughing- Joel’s favorite pastime. Joel loved to push his daughter to learn in life and in business, and was extremely proud of his little, but mighty, family of 3.’

She was able to write the tribute with the help of her boyfriend Metul Shah.

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Thoughts and prayers go out to the Olindo family and everyone who knew Joel.

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