Oprah Winfrey threw a surprise celebration of life this week for her 88-year-old father Vernon, who is suffering from cancer.She gathered some of his nearest and dearest to throw a barbecue on the Fourth Of July in honor of Vernon 'while he's still well enough' to enjoy it.The 68-year-old talk show titan took a selfie video from the party in front of a festive sign that read: 'Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Celebration.' Clasping hands:Oprah Winfrey threw a surprise celebration of life this week for her 88-year-old father Vernon, who is suffering from cancerParty chatter could be heard behind Oprah as she informed her more than 20 million followers: 'So we’ve been planning a backyard barbecue that’s actually more than a backyard barbecue. It's for Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day.'She explained that 'my father is ill and so we wanted to be able to have all of his friends come and celebrate him while he’s able to receive the joy.' Oprah revealed that Vernon, at the point that the video was filmed, still believed all the party preparation had just been for a Fourth Of July fete.When he walked out in front of the sign, however, he would be treated to a surprise and discover that the festivities were in fact a celebration of his life.
