Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s stepfather, Dr. Brian Herman, died at 63 following a battle with brain cancer.
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum took to Instagram on Thursday to pay tribute to Herman, whom she refers to as her “dad,” with a carousel of throwback photos.
“I’m writing this with my hands shaking, barely being able for my brain to catch up with this new reality,” the Bravolebrity captioned the slideshow.
“He was an amazing dad, grandad, husband and human,” Windham-Burke continued. “I’ll post more when I’ve had time to process, we’re all here together, trying to figure out how to do life without him.
“I love you dad, for now and always,” the 48-year-old concluded.
Windham-Burke’s fellow reality stars shared their support in the comment section.
“Sending you love and prayers my friend,” wrote “RHOC” star Tamra Judge.
“Heartbroken for you all💔,” “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Margaret Josephs commented. “I loved watching all your family video and pics together. Sending you so much love and hugs 🙏♥️🕊️.”
“Real Housewives of New York City” star Barbara Kavovit, for her part, added, “Sooo sorry! Sending you so much love and light ❤️.”
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“Oh no😢 I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers and love are wrapped around you during this difficult time ❤️🙏🏿,” “Real Housewives of Miami” star Kiki Barth wrote.
Herman was reportedly diagnosed with brain cancer last year, with the illness leaving him wheelchair-bound and unable to speak.
In October 2025, he posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed following a surgery and told his followers, “Alive and well, no deficits. Get your life done.”
Herman and wife Dr. Deborah “Deb” Windham appeared “RHOC” alongside Braunwyn between 2019 and 2021.
During a 2020 episode of the show, Braunwyn revealed her biological father died due to his alcoholism, though she did not disclose when he passed.
Braunwyn was inspired to embark on her own sobriety journey after her dad lost his life to addiction.
