“How Do You Say Goodbye” Becomes A Moving Tribute To Dean Lewis’ Father’s Recovery

In 2019, Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis faced heartbreaking news when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Struggling with the thought of losing his dad, Lewis channeled his emotions into writing “How Do I Say Goodbye,” a deeply personal song released in September 2022. Lewis said, “Everyone was telling me, ‘Are you sure you want to put out a death song’ — that’s what they were calling it — ‘just after COVID?’ ‘I was like, ‘Yeah, but like, it’s the best song I’ve ever done.’”

Lewis worried that the deeply personal nature of his song might make listeners hesitant to revisit it, but “How Do I Say Goodbye” struck a chord with audiences around the world. The emotional tribute to his father resonate so deeply that it went viral.

Behind the song’s success was a story of hope—his father, battling aggressive leukemia, underwent an experimental stem cell transplant that led to remission. In 2022, to mark this incredible victory, his father joined him on stage in Sydney for a moving performance of the song. Together, they turned a song about loss into a celebration of life, leaving the audience in tears and calling it one of the most emotional duets ever.

After his remarkable performance in Sydney, Dean Lewis decided to bring his father along on his 2023 European tour. It’s no surprise that Lewis’ father joined him for How Do I Say Goodbye.

Lewis says, “He’s loving the attention. He’s living his dream because he’s always played and wanted to get onstage. It’s been amazing for all of us.” This is Lewis’ father listening to How Do I Say Goodbye for the very first time. What an emotional journey!

It’s a full-circle moment for Lewis’ father, a lifelong music lover who always dreamed of performing. Now, he’s soaking in the spotlight, sharing an incredible journey with his son. The bond between them is evident, and seeing his father experience the song for the first time only adds to the emotional weight of their story—a truly unforgettable chapter in Lewis’ career.