A first-look at the documentary on Ed Sheeran’s life shows the emotional moment he breaks down in tears while opening up about his wife Cherry Seaborn’s health struggles.
Earlier this month, the singer took to Instagram to share the news that Seaborn, who he’s been married to since 2019, was diagnosed with a tumour while pregnant with their second child last year.
Within the same month, the singer’s best friend, Jamal Edwards, tragically passed away.
These difficult life events changed the course of Sheeran’s upcoming Disney+ docu-series The Sum of It All, something that he discusses in the trailer.
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“Cherry’s health, it was really bad, and then suddenly my best friend Jamal dies,” he explains.
“You guys said, ‘Do you want to make a documentary?’ And I went, ‘Yeah, it should be me in the studio and we’ll play the gig.’
“That’s not what the documentary is.”
The camera then cuts to the ‘Shape of You’ singer in a car as he bursts into tears.
And hundreds of people have offered words of support, with one writing in the trailer’s YouTube comments: “This doc series just proves that even when fans thinks he’s a super figure… he’s just a human with ups and downs just like the rest of us.
“So much respect for Ed and Cherry!”
Another wrote: “I’m so excited for this, he deserves every bit of success and good things in his life.
“You can always see the passion he has for music and expressing himself, that has never changed.”
“Real life comes to all of us, no matter where we’re at,” added a third. “I’m hoping you Cherry and the girls are doing well.”
The upcoming documentary, which also coincides with Sheeran’s sixth studio album release ‘Subtract’, is said to take viewers on a journey into how an ‘unlikely child with a stutter rose to fame to become one of the biggest global music superstars’.
Per the official synopsis: “For the first time, global superstar Ed Sheeran opens the doors to a definitive and searingly honest view into his private life as he explores the universal themes that inspire his music.
“This series follows Ed after he learns of life-changing news and reveals his hardships and triumphs during the most challenging period of his life.”
My father was boasting about financing my college education even though he hadn’t contributed financially, so I corrected his false claims with the truth
During my childhood and teenage years, I felt the weight of my father’s strict expectations. Instead of being supportive, he focused on control. His voice often echoed in my mind, reminding me of his “random checks” of my room and school bags, which felt more like an interrogation than genuine concern.
His high standards didn’t just apply at home; they spilled into my school life too. He insisted that I must earn at least a B in every subject, always pushing me to do better. This constant pressure built up a lot of anxiety in me and drove me to succeed, but mostly out of fear rather than passion.
As I got older, I became determined to break free from his tight grip, especially when it came to my college education. I decided to fund my own schooling, so my father couldn’t use financial control against me. In contrast, my cousin had a much different experience. His parents, my aunt and uncle, were involved in his life but respected his independence. They supported his education without making him feel pressured. This difference in our upbringings made me acutely aware of the heavy burden I carried.
When I graduated from high school, I made the choice to pay for my college myself. I took on part-time jobs and student loans, accepting the debt rather than risking my father’s influence over me. Interestingly, during this time, my father never offered financial help. He seemed unconcerned about my struggles, yet he painted a different picture to others.
He liked to present himself as the supportive dad who was investing in my future. At social gatherings, he would boast about how much he was contributing to my education, enjoying the praise he received for being a caring father. This false story was something he maintained without a hint of shame.
This charade continued until one summer evening at a family barbecue. During a relaxed conversation, my uncle, unaware of the truth, asked my father how much my education was costing him. Without hesitation, my father responded with pride, claiming it was a significant investment for my future.
Hearing this blatant lie ignited a fire in me. I knew I couldn’t let this continue. While I didn’t confront him then, I began planning how to reveal the truth in a way that left no doubt about my actual journey through college. I waited for graduation day, knowing it would be the perfect time to set the record straight. I invited my family, including my father, making sure they would all be there for what I had planned.
On graduation day, I felt a mix of nerves and determination. As I prepared to speak, I understood the weight of this moment. It represented not just my academic achievement but also a personal declaration. When it was my turn, I approached the podium, heart racing. The audience quieted, and I began: “Today, I want to thank the person who truly made this possible… myself. I financed my college education through hard work, determination, and countless hours of part-time jobs”.
The reaction was immediate. Gasps and murmurs filled the room as images of my college experience appeared on the screen behind me, pictures of late nights studying, work schedules, and tuition checks, all from my own earnings.
“Every dollar I earned and every exam I passed was done without any financial aid from my father”, I continued, glancing at my father’s shocked expression. The atmosphere shifted as my words sank in. The images contrasted sharply with my father’s claims, creating a powerful moment of personal vindication and public clarification.
After the ceremony, family reactions varied. Some were surprised, while others admired my independence. My aunt approached me, looking regretful. “We had no idea you did this all on your own”, she said, her tone apologetic. I wasn’t seeking sympathy but rather acknowledgment of my hard work. This recognition was more fulfilling than any comforting words could offer.
Later, my uncle, clapping me on the back, remarked with respect: “You really showed him. You took control and told the truth”. “Yes, I suppose I did”, I replied, feeling a sense of freedom that went beyond just graduating. “But more importantly, I showed myself what I’m capable of.”
That day marked the end of my college journey and the beginning of a new chapter in my life, free from my father’s oppressive expectations. I had proven to myself and others that I could face significant challenges on my own terms.
My experience in college, funded by my hard work, was a testament to resilience and self-reliance. Standing there with my peers and family, I knew that exciting new adventures awaited me, filled with the promise of freedom and the thrill of self-determination. I walked away not just with a diploma but with a deep understanding of my own strength and capability.
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