Why we grieve celebrity deaths: Oklahoma therapist explains the emotions behind it

After several high-profile celebrity deaths in recent days, many people are left wondering: Why does it hurt so much to lose someone we never met? An Oklahoma therapist says those feelings are valid and more common than we realize.

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OU therapist says celebrity grief is real and valid

Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones, a therapist and professor at the University of Oklahoma, joined the latest installment of Therapy Thursday to answer a timely viewer question: Why am I feeling such unexpected grief over the death of a celebrity I don’t personally know?

Her response: “It’s a valid response.”

“These public figures become a part of our lives through streaming series, TV shows, social media, even music,” Dr. Brenda said. “It’s difficult not to become attached.”

The power of parasocial relationships

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explained that the emotional connection many feel toward celebrities is tied to something called a parasocial relationship, a psychological phenomenon where individuals form deep emotional attachments to public figures, despite never meeting them.

“We form this sort of one-sided, emotionally connected bond,” she said. “And consequently, we feel like they are our friends.”

This kind of attachment builds gradually through repeated exposure to a celebrity's work or presence online. Whether it's a favorite actor in a long-running TV series or a beloved musician whose songs feel personal, the emotions tied to their loss can run deep.

How to cope with unexpected celebrity grief

Dr. Brenda said recognizing these emotions as real is the first step to coping.

“Understanding this parasocial relationship that we develop… will help [you] process feelings and emotions around this topic much better,” she said.

She encouraged people feeling sadness, confusion, or even guilt about mourning a celebrity to show themselves compassion and allow space for the grief.

Got questions for Therapy Thursday?

Therapy Thursday is a weekly mental health segment where viewers can submit questions to be answered by licensed professionals. If you'd like to ask Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones a question for next week’s segment, you can email therapythursday@griffin.news.