For the Love of a Daughter

Demi has never had a close relationship with her biological father, Patrick Lovato. Her parents got divorced when she was younger and she grew up with her step father Edward De La Garza. Patrick Lovato is the subject of her song “For the Love of a Daughter.” When the song came out, her father  gave a series of interviews which he promoted. He wanted to benefit himself from her fame. In an interview with Daily News Demi said about her father, “You try to have faith in somebody, even when you're the last person that believes in him, but when somebody lets you down after you've been the only one there for them, and so many times, you don't know what to do.”

The song is from her third studio album Unbroken. It was notable for the fact that it shined light on the strained relationship Demi had with her father. She sings about her father's alcohol-related issues, which took a toll on her childhood. This was something new to everyone. “For the Love of a Daughter” was originally composed and selected to be put in her second album in 2009, Here We Go Again, but she thought it was too intense for her fan base at the time. In an interview with Women's Wear Daily, Demi explained: "When I took a step back, I realized I wouldn't like those subjects being talked about in somebody else's home, with a seven-year-old and their mom." It was something that was deep and sincere, and it showed Demi’s vulnerability.

On June 22, 2013, her father died at the age of 53 after losing a battle with cancer. The day her dad died, she tweeted this message at all her fans who were giving her support, “There's an overwhelming sense of peace knowing my dad is no longer battling his demons anymore and that makes me so happy.” She also tweeted at her fans thanking them for standing by her. Not long after her dad died, Demi revealed that her dad had suffered from a mental illness. So, she announced the creation of the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program in honor of her dad, to help people suffering from mental illness by paying for treatment.

The program will cover any expenses for someone who is struggling with addiction issues or with mental health issues. Demi has gone through this herself so she knows what the process is like. She knows that treatment is costly and most people cannot afford the proper and effective care that they need. In response to her dad’s death, she felt it was necessary to start this program.

Here is a picture of Demi and her dad when she was young: