In January, Gary Sinise faced a heartbreaking loss when his son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Mac was just 33 years old.

Now, the Forrest Gump star has shared emotional details about his son’s final days, shedding light on the profound challenges and bittersweet moments they experienced together.

A Father’s Grief and a Son’s Legacy

Gary Sinise, known for his tireless work supporting veterans, is now navigating profound personal grief. In an interview with ET, the acclaimed actor opened up about the journey of his son’s illness and the strength Mac displayed during his final days.

Despite his health struggles, Mac found purpose in completing a project close to his heart—a music album he had started years earlier. “I bought him his first drum set when he was 9,” Gary reminisced. Mac’s passion for music carried him through high school and into USC’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied songwriting and composition. Although he had set aside the pieces he created during college, in January 2023, he told his father, “Dad, I think I want to finish the music I worked on in college.”

Mac’s talent extended beyond drums to other instruments, including the harmonica, which he learned to play while undergoing cancer treatment. In the final week of his life, Mac recorded the last pieces of his album. The project is now being finalized and will be available for purchase on the Gary Sinise Foundation website, as well as streaming platforms, preserving his artistic legacy.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Gary shared memories of a viewing party Mac hosted shortly before his passing, which unknowingly became a farewell event. “It was a joyful day,” Gary said. However, shortly after, Mac’s health took a sharp decline. When he was rushed to the hospital, the family hoped it would be another routine visit, but doctors soon realized Mac was in his final days.

Despite the pain, Gary recalled that Mac found peace in the knowledge that he had accomplished what he set out to do. “He was at peace. He was joyful… He was smiling,” Gary said, reflecting on his son’s courage and resilience.