Sex and the City star Kristin Davis announces personal tragedy

Sex and the City star Kristin Davis has farewelled her beloved father Tom Atkinson who died “recently” from Parkinson’s disease.

The actress, best known for playing Charlotte York on the HBO show, took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce the news and share two photos.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Kristen Davis auditioned for role of Monica on Friends.

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Her message to social media came after her family celebrated her father’s life.

Kristin Davis has announced her father has died. Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty Images

Kristin Davis has farewelled her beloved father Tom Atkinson. Credit: kristindavis/Instagram

“My Dad passed away recently and the family gathered for the celebration of his life that he had left detailed instructions for,” the 59-year-old actress wrote.

“It was a beautiful celebration with a jazz band.

“We all learned new things about him, because he led an extraordinary life.

“He was born in a cabin on a river in North Carolina and ended up giving speeches all over the world about his research in psychology.

“He was born to be a teacher and loved it so much. He was brilliant and bright and people loved him.”

She wrote that her father had lived with Parkinson’s disease — a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time — for the last decade.

The Mayo Clinic explains that the nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including movement.

Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon are seen on the film set of And Just Like That. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

“For the last decade he lived with Parkinson’s. I think about the devotion with which my mother cared for him (and his doctors and nurses and home health care!) and I’m so grateful for the support he got, and the perseverance he showed in a very real and difficult struggle,” Davis said.

“I know many of you are probably caring for people in your life, and I know how much love and energy it takes.

“Thinking of our whole family and especially my Mum. We love you Dad and we are so grateful you lit up our lives and left us with so much.”

Quick to respond was Davis’ Sex and the City co-star Cynthia Nixon, who played Miranda Hobbes.

“Kristin, this is so beautiful. He would be so proud to be honoured by you in this way,” she wrote.

“And I know it means a lot to your mum, too.

“You were such a trooper at work both before and after he passed. I can imagine how very hard that much have been.

“You are and always have been such an amazing daughter to both your parents, as you are an amazing mum to both your kids. I know how much your mum needs your support now on top of everything else on your plate,” Nixon’s message continued.

“I hope you can find time to be good to yourself and take the space to grieve for him for yourself. I love you.”