Demi Lovato Reflects about 'Tough' Relationship with Her Late Dad Patrick

Demi Lovato looked back on her tumultuous relationship with their late father Patrick Lovato on Father's Day. The singer got candid about the conflict they often feel on the highly celebrated day.

Father's Day was a difficult day for Demi Lovato, and the singer didn't shy away from opening up. The "Heart Attack" crooner took to their Instagram story to reflect on their challenging relationship with late dad Patrick Lovato.

Demi, who has been outspoken about how their dad was abusive, shared how Father's Day was difficult as they felt a conflation of conflicting feelings. They admitted that there was a struggle between staying positive and feeling sad.

The 28-year-old reached out to those in their shoes, revealing that for previous Father's Day, they always wondered whether they should call their dad. Now, they advise anyone to reach out. Getting candid, Demi wrote:

"Some days, I regret not calling, but other days I'm proud of myself for holding my boundary because I was doing what was best for me and my mental health. It's complicated…."

The "Camp Rock" star admitted that they wished things were different between them and Patrick, but the troubled relationship built them into the successful person they are today.

[Demi] shared that Patrick battled mental illness and addiction for most of his life, making it difficult for him to raise his family.

Demi went on to post several throwback childhood photos with Patrick and, in the caption, quoted lyrics from their song, "Butterfly," which they wrote about their dad. Demi's parents divorced when they were just 2.

Patrick, a musician, and engineer, majorly stayed out of their life until he passed away in 2013 from cancer. Two years after his death, Demi spoke about writing a song about him and how they felt following his demise.

The former Disney child star noted that they wrestled with feelings of conflict because Patrick remained abusive towards them even until his death. However, the late patriarch always tried to be good, but it never happened.

They shared that Patrick battled mental illness and addiction for most of his life, making it difficult for him to raise his family no matter how hard he tried. To that cause, Demi established the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program.

The program helps to cover treatment expenses for people with mental illnesses or addiction struggles. They hope it can help others escape their demons and not turn out the way Patrick did.

Demi rose to fame as a child star on Barney & Friends, and their family played a huge role in shaping their career. The singer's mom Dianna De La Garza, was a former country music recording artist.