Daily Dad News

Father Of JonBenet Ramsey Regrets Letting Daughter Enter Pageants

March 14, 2012

The unfortunate case of JonBenet Ramsey has come back into the spotlight, due in part to comments from the late pageant princess’ father. John Ramsey appeared on morning program Good Morning America yesterday (March 13) morning and spoke candidly about the aftermath of losing his daughter, getting his life back and expressing regret in allowing his daughter to enter beauty pageants at such a young age.

The still unsolved death of JonBenet, who was just six years old, came by way of a harrowing set of circumstances that put the Ramseys under the hot glare of investigation. The parents were deemed suspects in the ransom case, although they were finally clearned of charges over ten years later. JonBenet was found dead in her home in December of 1996, sparking a whirlwind of discussion that eventually led to Mr. Ramsey reportedly losing his successful business, according to his accounts.

However, it was Mr. Ramsey’s comments regarding his daughter entering beauty pageants that stood out most of all, especially after stating he find shows like TLC’s “Toddlers & Tiaras” disturbing. “"It's very bizarre," Ramsey said. "And, it certainly…Patsy and JonBenet didn't approach it that way.  We…they just did it for fun.”

Mr. Ramsey added, “"Patsy had her sitting atop a friend's convertible in the Christmas parade waving at the people lining the streets," Ramsey recalled. "Patsy's mother later told me that a strange man approached the car during the parade and it made her uncomfortable.”

Mr. Ramsey has since released a book titled The Other Side Of Suffering in where he details his journey from mourning the loss of both JonBenet and his wife Patsy, who passed from cancer in 2006, and how he has let the bitterness go by way of his faith.

"I was [bitter] for a time," Ramsey said. "But you can't stay there.  It's damaging to you as a person."

Return To Daily Dad News >>