The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of beloved Hollywood legend June Lockhart, who died peacefully at the age of 100. Known for her timeless grace and unforgettable roles in Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction, June’s legacy reaches across generations — but what’s touching hearts most right now is the raw emotion of her dear friend, Dick Van Dyke.
At 99 years old, the actor and national treasure opened up through tears about the final messages he received from June in her last days — words that have left millions moved to the core.
“She told me not to be sad,” Dick said softly, his voice trembling with grief. “She said, ‘We made people smile, Dick — that’s all I ever wanted. Promise me you’ll keep dancing, even when I’m gone.’”
For a moment, he couldn’t continue. Those who know Dick say it was one of the rare times he’s been truly lost for words — the laughter that defined his life now quieted by loss.
The friendship between Van Dyke and Lockhart stretched back more than seven decades, a bond built on humor, heart, and shared devotion to the craft of storytelling. They grew old together in an industry that often forgets its own — yet they never forgot each other.
“She was light,” Dick continued. “Even at 100, she still cared about everyone else first. That was June — always grace before glory.”
Fans around the world have flooded social media with tributes, remembering June’s warmth and the comforting presence she brought to every role. But perhaps her greatest legacy is captured in that one final message — a reminder that joy, kindness, and purpose never fade.
For Dick Van Dyke, it wasn’t just saying goodbye to a colleague. It was losing a piece of his own story — “a sister of the heart,” as he called her.
And as he promised her, even through tears, one thing is certain:
He will keep dancing. For her. For them. For all of us.
