Tim Allen is opening up about a personal battle he’s carried for more than six decades and credits Erika Kirk’s emotional memorial speech for helping him finally find peace.
At her husband’s memorial in Arizona, Erika stunned mourners by publicly forgiving Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk during a student debate at Utah Valley University.
“That man… that young man… I forgive him,” Erika said through tears. “Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate.”
Her words drew thunderous applause and unexpectedly touched the Home Improvement star.
On Thursday, Allen shared on X: “When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband — ‘That man … I forgive him’ — that moment deeply affected me.”
A Lifelong Struggle
Allen revealed he had never been able to forgive the man responsible for his father’s death. His dad was killed in 1964 when a drunk driver struck his car; Allen was just 11 years old.
“I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad,” Allen admitted. “I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”
It was the first time Allen had ever publicly expressed forgiveness.
Erika’s Message Echoes
At the memorial, Erika reminded the crowd that Charlie had always wanted to reach young men, even those lost in anger. “Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said.
Her choice to forgive, rooted in faith, has now rippled beyond her immediate circle, moving public figures like Allen to confront their own pain.
A Shared Moment of Grace
For Erika, the gesture was about carrying forward her husband’s legacy of Christian love. For Allen, it marked the end of a 60-year battle with resentment.
Two families separated by decades, tragedy, and circumstance, yet linked by one powerful act of forgiveness.
