“It is hard to know how to write this— it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing,” Jennifer wrote. She explained that Birdie had suddenly fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet revealed her pet was at the end of her life.

One clip showed the two lounging on a sofa as Jennifer read William Steig’s “Pete’s a Pizza,” both donning reading glasses. Another captured her tenderly singing to Birdie while cradling her, playfully using Birdie’s paws to accompany the tune.

Chef Ina Garten also wrote her sympathies, “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”

Jennifer wore a navy sweater with her hair tied back in a ponytail, while Ben, dressed in a brown button-down, stayed close to their children. This Thanksgiving also marked Ben’s first without his estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez.

This year’s bittersweet Thanksgiving came during a challenging time for Jennifer. In April, she announced the passing of her beloved father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who died surrounded by family.

Amid the various photos, one could see the undeniable bond that was shared between Jennifer and her late dad, a bond echoed in the loving family photos she posted, some of which featured her mother Patricia Garner, and her sisters, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie.

Accompanying the sweet pictures was the “Elektra” star’s caption which expressed a profound sense of loss tempered with gratitude for the life her father led.

She also highlighted the devoted, adoring, and patient father he was to her and her siblings and the loving husband he was to her mom, for 59 years. Additionally, Jennifer thanked the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for providing William with the best care they could.

William—as described by Jennifer in a past interview with “PBS’s” Kelly Corrigan in October 2020—was a man of the world despite the family’s deep West Virginian roots. His adventurous spirit took him around the globe, instilling in his daughters the importance of resilience and the value of home.

Previously referred to as “Bill” by Jennifer when she was younger, the actress spoke about how this then changed to “Billy Jack,” highlighting his Texan roots which, she said, grew deeper the older he got. While discussing his persona, Jennifer fondly remarked, “My dad is—he’s so great.”

More than gushing about her dad and loved ones in interviews, Jennifer’s social media had long been a testament to the significant role her family played in her life. In September 2023, she shared a touching post featuring a carousel of images from a family visit to Charleston.

Another post from September 2022, which showed the same picture Jennifer Garner had included in the recent tribute post she shared following William’s passing, celebrated the late doting dad’s birthday.

In this same post, she detailed his life’s milestones and the profound impact he had on his family. A part of the loving caption read, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner, son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout. @tamu Corps Cadet and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. Union Carbide Chemical Engineer for close to 40 years.”

As she, her sisters, and her mom honored his life and reminisced over memories, the world caught a glimpse of the remarkable man William was. In their grief, the Garner family found solace in gratitude, celebrating the life of a dearly loved dad and husband.