Gabby Logan shared personal message on Instagram following the death of her father Terry Yorath.
“Rest in peace dad. Our hearts are broken. Your love and legacy lives on,” she wrote.
The Welsh football legend died at the age of 75 following a brief illness, his family confirmed on Thursday morning.
The news came hours after his eldest daughter, BBC Sport presenter Logan, was forced to leave Match of the Day midway through Wednesday night’s broadcast.
Gabby Logan’s father died on Wednesday night, forcing her to leave her duties live on Match of the Day
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PA
Co-host Mark Chapman took over presenting duties after explaining that Logan had departed due to a “family emergency”.
Yorath, born in Cardiff, enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and manager for club and country.
He made nearly 200 appearances for Leeds United during a nine-year spell and represented Wales 59 times, wearing the captain’s armband on the majority of those occasions.
Yorath’s children released a joint statement paying tribute to their father. “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man,” said Gabby, Louise and Jordan.
“Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Gabby Logan took to social media to share a short statement on her father’s death
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The former Wales captain leaves behind three surviving children and five grandchildren: Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix and Paloma.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from the football community, with tributes flooding in from clubs and organisations that shaped his remarkable career.
Yorath’s playing career at Elland Road spanned from 1967 to 1976, during which he made 198 appearances for the Yorkshire club. His time there was crowned by a First Division championship triumph in 1974.
On the international stage, the midfielder earned 59 caps for Wales, captaining his nation on 42 of those occasions. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into management and took charge of the Welsh national team for six years.
Under his stewardship, Wales achieved their highest FIFA world ranking at that time and came agonisingly close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. The nation would not reach a major tournament until 2022, some 64 years after their previous appearance in 1958.
The family’s statement referenced their brother Daniel, Yorath’s eldest son and fourth child, who died tragically in 1992.
Terry Yorath pictured playing for Wales in 1980 | GETTY
Just weeks after signing for Leeds United, the 15-year-old collapsed while playing football with his father in their garden.
A post-mortem examination revealed he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an undiagnosed condition that thickens the heart muscle and impairs blood flow.
Leeds United described themselves as “devastated” by Yorath’s passing, calling him a “club legend” who would be fondly remembered both on and off the pitch. The club confirmed players will wear black armbands during this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Derby.
Gabby Logan is one of three presenters on Match of the Day this season | PA
The Football Association of Wales also offered their condolences, stating: “Terry Yorath will be remembered in Wales for his contribution to the game.”
