Amy Roloff, the beloved star of Little People, Big World, is facing one of life’s most painful experiences: saying goodbye to a parent.

The 64-year-old television personality and her family are mourning the death of her father, Gordon Knight, who passed away on October 5, 2026, at the age of 97.

The heartbreaking news became public on October 26, when Amy’s youngest son, Jacob Roloff, shared an emotional tribute to his grandfather on Instagram.

For fans who followed the Roloff family for nearly two decades, the loss is particularly touching. Gordon occasionally appeared on the family’s TLC reality series, offering viewers a glimpse into the close relationships that extended beyond Roloff Farms.

Now, Amy and her children are remembering the man whose love, wisdom, and extraordinary life left a lasting impression on their family.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye

Jacob Roloff, 29, was the first family member to publicly announce Gordon’s passing.

Sharing a collection of photographs on Instagram, Jacob explained that his grandfather had died approximately three weeks earlier.

He admitted that he had not yet fully processed the loss.

His tribute was filled with childhood memories of visiting his grandparents in Michigan, where family gatherings became treasured traditions.

Jacob remembered his grandfather as someone who could initially seem intimidating but whose gentle personality became apparent through small gestures.

He recalled Gordon’s warm smile, playful expressions, and the happiness he experienced when relatives gathered around him.

The family often spent time outdoors, with children and grandchildren visiting the property and enjoying the surroundings.

Those memories became especially meaningful after Gordon’s death.

Amy Roloff Shares Her Emotional Reaction

After Jacob published his tribute, Amy responded with a heartfelt message of her own.

She praised her son’s words and acknowledged how deeply she would miss her father.

“I’m going to miss him lots too. So many memories,” Amy wrote.

She also reflected on how difficult it had sometimes been to bring all four of her children to Michigan to visit their grandparents.

Amy shares Jeremy, Zachary, Molly, and Jacob with her former husband, Matt Roloff.

As the children grew older and established their own lives, family visits became more complicated.

Looking back, Amy expressed gratitude that Jacob had found opportunities to visit his grandfather as an adult.

She also hoped that each of her children would carry a special memory of Gordon throughout their lives.

Her words captured a feeling familiar to many families: the realization that no amount of time with someone we love ever seems quite enough.

A Grandfather Who Lived Life to the Fullest

Gordon Knight was remembered as an active, curious, and remarkably independent man.

According to his obituary, he worked as a civil and structural engineer for Ford Motor Company for approximately 30 years.

His professional career reflected his interest in building, creating, and solving problems.

Even after retirement, he continued pursuing activities that kept him mentally and physically engaged.

Jacob revealed that just months before his death, Gordon was still maintaining his firearms and driving his beloved Corvette.

For a man approaching 98, his enthusiasm for life was extraordinary.

He also enjoyed historical reenactments and remained interested in learning about the world around him.

His family remembered his sense of humor, generosity, and willingness to help others.

Rather than allowing age to limit his curiosity, Gordon continued embracing new experiences and maintaining relationships with the people he loved.

A Special Connection Across Generations

One of the most emotional parts of Jacob’s tribute concerned his own son, Mateo.

Over the previous four years, Jacob had made annual summer visits to Michigan with Mateo, giving the young boy opportunities to spend time with his great-grandfather.

Those visits became memories Jacob now treasures.

He described sitting outside with Gordon, listening to stories and simply enjoying their time together.

Jacob also expressed regret that he had not asked his grandfather more questions about his past.

In particular, he wished he had learned more about Gordon’s experiences during the Korean War.

Although Gordon rarely discussed that period of his life, Jacob recognized that his grandfather had witnessed extraordinary changes over nearly a century.

He had lived through major historical events, technological transformations, and generations of family milestones.

For Jacob, knowing that Mateo had spent meaningful time with his great-grandfather offered comfort during an otherwise painful period.

Amy Had Already Lost Her Mother

Gordon’s death comes seven years after Amy experienced another devastating family loss.

Her mother, Patricia Knight, died in September 2019 at the age of 86.

At the time, Amy shared emotional messages about her mother’s influence and the importance of faith in helping her cope with grief.

Patricia and Gordon had been married for more than six decades.

Their relationship represented an enduring example of commitment and family devotion.

Following her mother’s passing, Amy made efforts to spend meaningful time with her father whenever possible.

On Father’s Day in June 2024, she shared a photograph of herself sitting beside Gordon, raising their glasses together.

In the accompanying message, Amy encouraged others to appreciate the time they have with loved ones.

She reminded followers not to allow precious moments to pass unnoticed.

Those words now carry an even deeper meaning.

Remembering the Roloff Family’s Journey

Amy became a familiar television personality when Little People, Big World premiered on TLC in 2006.

The reality series followed Amy, Matt, and their four children as they navigated family life, relationships, and the challenges of running Roloff Farms in Oregon.

Over 25 seasons, viewers watched the children grow up, marry, and start families of their own.

The series concluded in 2024, but the Roloffs have remained familiar figures to longtime fans.

Although Gordon was never a central cast member, his occasional appearances helped viewers understand Amy’s family background.

His passing marks the end of an important chapter in her life.

A Father’s Love That Will Never Be Forgotten

At 64, Amy Roloff has experienced many changes, from raising four children and becoming a grandmother to rebuilding her personal life after divorce.

But losing her father represents a different kind of heartbreak.

Gordon Knight lived an extraordinary 97 years, building a career, raising a family, and witnessing several generations grow around him.

His loved ones remember him not simply for his long life, but for the kindness, humor, and curiosity he maintained throughout it.

For Amy, the memories of family gatherings, conversations, and quiet moments together will remain priceless.

Her father’s passing is a reminder that even when someone lives a long and fulfilling life, saying goodbye is never easy.

As the Roloff family continues to grieve, fans are sending messages of sympathy, love, and support.

And while Gordon Knight is no longer physically present, the memories he created with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue to connect the family for generations to come.