Dana White, the UFC CEO, has recently discussed the sudden demise of his parents earlier this year in 2023 during an interview with Piers Morgan. In the conversation, White delved into his childhood and its impact on his journey to success.
However, in response to a question about whether his challenging relationship with his parents played a role in his ascent to fame, White made an unexpected revelation. He shared how becoming a parent himself led to his determination not to emulate his own parents. Moreover, he confessed how he felt emotionless during the time of his parents’ death.
“I didn’t wish any ill will on either one of my parents, but no, when they passed away I had almost no feelings about it, to be honest with you,” he admitted.
For those unaware, a keen-eyed fan observed that Dana White’s father’s obituary stated, “Dana sadly passed away alone in a nursing home from Dementia.” Many believed that Dana White showed no sympathy towards his father.
However, White revealed in the interview that after his father’s death, he had moved him to Maine where his other family members were buried. The candid conversation with Piers Morgan has shed light on a lesser-known aspect of Dana White’s life, highlighting the complexities that have shaped the UFC CEO into the influential figure he is today.
Dana White opens up about his complex relationship with father
Earlier this year, Dana White faced the heartbreaking loss of both his parents. While for most, such an experience would be deeply emotional, for him, it appeared as though it was just another day on the job.
At the age of 54, White’s life story is marked by a tumultuous upbringing. Growing up, he was raised by a single mother, with an absent father figure. Their family had to endure the troubling presence of an overweight neighbor who caused them distress. It made the present-day UFC leader realize it was all happening because of his father.
In 2011, White’s mother, June White, made her grievances public, giving a glimpse of his alleged wrongdoings, which included accusations of infidelity and misogyny, in anticipation of her tell-all book. Reflecting on his upbringing, White admitted, “I don’t like talking about it, but I would say yes, absolutely my relationship with my parents definitely made me who I am today in many different ways.”
While information regarding White’s father is still unclear, his tense relationship with his mother, June, has drawn a lot of attention. In the midst of these revelations, it becomes clear why Dana White might have felt detached when his parents passed away.
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