Danielle Colby, star of American Pickers, recently faced a heart-wrenching loss just days after her dream wedding to Jeremy Scheuch.
Last weekend, the popular History Channel star tied the knot in Puerto Rico in a ceremony that could only be described as a fairy tale.
But just as they were beginning their new life together, tragedy struck. On social media, Danielle revealed the heartbreaking news that her new father-in-law had passed away.
She shared a touching picture of herself with “Papa John,” her new husband Jeremy’s father. In the photo, the couple sits on a front porch with their adorable dog, while Jeremy’s parents are seated beside them.
Unfortunately, both Jeremy’s mother and Papa John died suddenly after the wedding.
In an emotional letter to Jeremy’s dad, Danielle expressed her deep admiration and gratitude: “Papa John…you spent your life fighting for and making miracles happen for the most vulnerable kids in your community.”
“When I met you for the first time, you and your elves had transformed an airplane hangar into the North Pole to make a little girl with cancer’s dream come true. You gave her happiness, hope, and peace, just like the one you gave us.”
“You’ve always been there for me and believed in me, even when I didn’t. I believe in myself too. Maybe some people around you doubted I was good, but you never did. I felt safe in your embrace, and you gave me the freedom to open up,” she confessed.
“Everyone knows that takes time.” You traveled thousands of miles many times to be with us, and opened your home when we needed your magic to help us through tough times,” Danielle said.
“You loved and cared so deeply, consistently. As someone who didn’t grow up with holidays, particularly Christmas, you helped me see them through fresh eyes. You never saw these events as opportunities to benefit yourself. Instead, you viewed them as chances to share your love, acceptance, and kindness with others.
For years, it was challenging for me to fully open up to you. Some of my favorite memories include you, your family, and your son Jeremy, who is so much like you in many ways.
“Thank you so much for everything. Moving forward with the wedding was difficult in your absence. We shed many tears because little things would remind us of you.
“Little magical moments we had never experienced before, but suddenly, the entire week of our wedding was filled with the most inexplicable magic—our surroundings, the people who came to celebrate, and the love we hold for each other.”
“You were with us every moment, every sunrise and sunset, even though you were far away, trying to recover. With every hug and gathering. Even though you’re no longer here with me, I feel your presence everywhere. All over the place. Now rest,” she softly said.
WHAT JEREMY SAID
Jeremy, Danielle’s husband, also made a heartfelt post, sharing a picture of himself as a child with a younger Papa John.
The husband of the American Pickers star was just a child in the nostalgic photo, taken in the front yard with a much younger Papa John.
In the image, the retired artist looked like a tiny child, dressed in a small red jacket.
“My dad. John Scheuch. From June 28, 1953, to February 19, 2024. Rest in peace, Dad. You were the best dad I could have asked for. I am heartbroken,” Jeremy wrote.
He added in the comments, “I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m grateful to have the best wife by my side through it all.”
Danielle responded to her husband with a message of support: “My heart hurts so much for you and your family right now. People who were weakest in spirit saw their dreams come true because of him.
“I learned so much from him about helping others and making room for them. I feel him everywhere, especially when I’m with you.
“Thank you for bringing Papa John into my life and the lives of my children,” she said.
Danielle and Jeremy celebrated their union with a beautiful ceremony in Puerto Rico just last weekend. They had been together for six years and were engaged for nearly four years before finally tying the knot.
