Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s stepfather, Dr. Brian Herman, has passed away at the age of 63 after a battle with brain cancer.
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum posted a throwback photo on Instagram Thursday, paying tribute to Herman, calling him “dad.”
“I’m writing this with shaking hands and my brain barely catching up to this new reality,” Bravolebrity captioned the slideshow.
“He was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband and human being,” Windham-Burke continued. “I’ll post more when I have time to process. We’re all here together, trying to figure out how to live life without him.
“Dad, I love you now and always will,” the 48-year-old concluded.
Windham-Burke’s fellow reality stars expressed their support in the comments section.
“Sending you love and prayers my friend,” RHOC star Tamra Judge wrote.
“Heartbreaking for you all 💔,” “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Margaret Josephs commented. “I loved seeing the videos and photos of your entire family together. Sending you lots of love and hugs 🙏♥️🕊️”
“The Real Housewives of New York City” star Barbara Kavovit added, “I’m so sorry! Sending you so much love and light ❤️.”
“Oh my 😢, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and love are with you during this difficult time ❤️🙏🏿,” “The Real Housewives of Miami” star Kiki Barth wrote.
Herman was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year, and the disease has reportedly left him confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak.
In October 2025, he posted a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed after surgery and told his followers, “I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m not in the red. Get on with life.”
Herman and his wife, Dr. Deborah “Deb” Windham, appeared on “RHOC” with Braunwyn from 2019 to 2021.
Braunwyn revealed on the show in 2020 that her father died from alcoholism, but did not specify when he died.
Braunwyn was inspired to embark on her journey to sobriety after her father lost his life to addiction.
