Televangelist Jim Bakker was laid to rest on Monday, but his son, Jay Bakker, was not present at the service. Jay Bakker, who is also a pastor, addressed his absence in a video he posted to Instagram that was played during his father's funeral, according to TMZ.com.
In the video, Jay Bakker described what he characterized as a complicated relationship with his father. He explained that he had been able to visit his father before his death and that they shared some good conversations, which is why he chose not to attend the funeral — he felt he had already said his goodbye in person, TMZ.com reported.
Jay Bakker is the son of Jim Bakker and televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the caption accompanying his Instagram video, he expressed gratitude to those who have supported his family through this period. "Those of you who have stood up for me and my family during this tough time by encouraging others to allow us to process this loss have been priceless," Jay Bakker wrote on Instagram. He continued, "It's a very difficult perspective for some to grasp and I understand the struggle to sympathize much less give a damn."
Jim Bakker died last week while receiving hospice care in Missouri, TMZ.com previously reported. No cause of death has been announced.