In March 2022, at age 52, legendary cricketer Shane Warne tragically died of a heart attack in Thailand.
Shane is survived by three children – Brooke, 27, Jackson, 25, and, Summer, 22 – with whom he shared with ex-wife Simone Callahan.
While known for many iconic cricket moments, including his famous Ball of the Century in 1993, there was no doubt that Shane’s biggest achievement was his kids.
In November 2020, the famous spin-bowler marked a special fatherhood moment as his youngest daughter Summer graduated high school.
“Wow. What a day!!!” Shane wrote in a heartfelt Instagram story. “All three of my beautiful children have now completed year 12.”
The former I’m A Celeb star continued, “Which means no more school fees, drop offs, pick ups and fighting for a car park, parent teacher nights, sports all over melb x 3 on weekends, school plays, events, making lunches, sports gear, blazer and being a taxi – oh and an ATM,” he joked.
While his remarks were light-hearted, the occasion was clearly bittersweet for the former cricket captain who added: “Sort of sad too as they were fun times & will be great memories for all of us.”
The ex-cricketer ended on an emotional note, praising all three of his children.
“So proud of the young awesome adults you’ve become @brookewarne @jacksonwarne18 @summerwarne!! Love dad.”
Towards the end of his life, Shane Warne made it clear that his kids are at the heart of every decision he makes.
In 2018, the sportsman spoke to The 7:30 Report about the effect his scandalous past had on his children.
“It’s pretty hard to relive some things when you’ve let down your children and your family, embarrassed them at times,” the 52-year-old admitted at the time.
“To hurt my children who are the most important thing in my life was really tough. The effect I had on my family, on my children. The effect I had on my children was I let them down. And I have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
However, it’s clear that Shane’s kids don’t share his opinion when it comes to letting them down, constantly posting memories with the late cricketer and emphasising how much they want to make him proud.
Appearing on Seven’s inaugural season of SAS Australia, poker player Jackson Warne reinforced this, explaining that his father’s opinion was at the heart of all his decisions.
“I want him to be really proud of me,” he said at the time.
Two years on from his death, Shane’s presence is still felt by the loved ones he left behind.
To mark eldest daughter Brooke’s 27th birthday, Simone Callahan shared pictures of the cricketer with his daughter, writing on Instagram: “Dad would be so proud and we love you endlessly, have a wonderful day.”
For more on the life and legacy of Shane Warne, read the articles below
How did Shane Warne die? Inside the cricketing legend’s final moments
Celebrity tributes flow in for ‘Spin King’ Shane Warne following his sudden death
Inside Jackson Warne’s close relationship with his father Shane
From Simone Callahan to Liz Hurley: Shane Warne’s love life was complicated but rewarding
