Grease Live: Vanessa Hudgens performs in live TV musical in the wake of her father's death

Vanessa Hudgens, Grease Live — Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo in Grease Live Fox

Vanessa Hudgens would have been eagerly looking forward to the debut of Fox's TV musical Grease Live in which she plays the role of Betty Rizzo, portrayed by Stockard Channing in the 1978 film. However, the singer's big night was overshadowed by her father's death on Saturday, a day before the 31 January performance.

Hudgens posted a message on Twitter saying: "I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers." She also dedicated her Grease Live performance to him.

I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016

Tonight, I do the show in his honor.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016

In July, the actress revealed that her dad Greg, a former firefighter, had been sick with an Instagram picture of the two of them. In the post's caption she asked her fans to "pray for his healing". She later announced the severity of his illness during her acceptance speech for the breakthrough performer award at the 2015 Industry Dance Awards in August 2015.

My daddy and I ❤️❤️❤️ Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better. ????
A photo posted by Vanessa Hudgens (@vanessahudgens) on Jul 27, 2015 at 10:06am PDT

Audiences were impressed with the 27 year old's ability to perform in the live TV musical in the wake of her loss. They praised her professionalism as well as her strength through numerous posts on Twitter.

wow Vanessa's performance and strength just blew me away. my love goes out to her and her family @VanessaHudgens ?❤️ @GoGrease
— Colette Carr (@ColetteCrazy) February 1, 2016

Imagine you had Vanessa Hudgens' day, and doing that.
What a superhero.
In total awe.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) February 1, 2016

I wouldn't expect anything less @VanessaHudgens is killing it! So proud of my girl #GreaseLive
— AshleyTisdaleFrench (@ashleytisdale) February 1, 2016

@VanessaHudgens Couldn't be more proud of and in awe of you! What you channeled tonight was magical! Your father is watching and smiling ❤️
— Corbin Bleu (@corbinbleu) February 1, 2016

My dear @VanessaHudgens, you were absolutely perfect on @GoGrease.. Your strength is inspiring. What a smile your father must have.
— Wilmer Valderrama (@WValderrama) February 1, 2016

Grease Live was a fun spectacle. @VanessaHudgens delivered an amazing performance having just lost her father. That's a pro. #GreaseLive
— Darryl M. Bell (@DarrylMBell) February 1, 2016