Harry Connick Jr. 'Heartbroken' Over Dad's Death: 'My Best Friend and My Hero'

Harry Connick Sr. died at the age of 97 in January

Harry Connick Jr. spoke about his father Harry Connick Sr. in a touching tribute for the first time since the older man died at the age of 97.

In a video posted to his Instagram, Connick Jr., 56, admitted he was "heartbroken" over his father's death last week. He said, "My dad was my best friend and my hero. And even though he was 97 years old, it’s still hard to believe that he’s gone."

Expressing gratitude for the condolences paid to him, Connick Jr. continued, "Something that really helped me get through it was hearing from all of y’all. I got so many posts. I haven’t gotten the chance to go through them all."

"Knowing that y’all care and that you took the time to reach out and express your condolences to me and my family was so helpful and uplifting. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks, and I love y’all so much. My dad loved you, and I’m so appreciative of all of the love. Thank y'all very much," he concluded.

Connick Jr. wrote in the video's caption, "i will miss him dearly, but i know he is at peace and with God now." He reiterated that he is "deeply grateful" and his "heart is full" from the support his family has received.

Connick Sr. died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones including his wife Londa and his children, Suzanna and Harry Jr., the musician's rep shared with PEOPLE on Jan. 25 His cause of death wasn't mentioned at the time.

Harry Sr. was the district attorney in New Orleans for three decades from 1973-2003. He ran for the position many times and was undefeated upon his retirement, according to the Associated Press.

Related: Harry Connick Jr. Says Losing His Mom at Age 13 Was 'Unquestionably the Hardest Thing That's Ever Happened to Me'

Connick Jr. last posted about his dad on Instagram in November. "Hangin' with my dad - my FAVORITE thing in the world!," the singer captioned a selfie of the pair, featuring Harry Sr. in a multicolored robe with a smile on his face. Connick Jr wore a black t-shirt and the duo donned matching New Orleans Saints hats to rep their favorite football team.

"I come to see him about once a month in new orleans and it's still not enough! at 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration... i love you sooooo much, dad!!!" his caption concluded.

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Connick Sr. served in the Navy during World War II. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree at Loyola University and owned record stores while he was pursuing further law degrees around the time his children were born, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

He passed on a love of music to his son and they founded the musically-focused organization the Krewe of Orpheus together. Per the Times-Picayune, Harry Sr. was musically inclined like his Grammy-winning son and occasionally preformed in New Orleans jazz clubs.

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