Tucker Budzyn, the beloved golden retriever whose playful personality attracted millions of followers across social media, has died unexpectedly at the age of 8.
Tucker’s owner, Courtney Budzyn—known to fans as “Linda”—announced the heartbreaking news in an emotional video shared Saturday. She said Tucker died Wednesday, September 2, only weeks after being diagnosed with lymphoma.
According to Courtney, Tucker initially responded well to chemotherapy and appeared to be going into remission. However, the family later learned that the cancer had also affected his intestines.
Courtney explained that as the treatment attacked the cancer, a hole developed in Tucker’s intestine at the site of the disease. That reportedly led to a serious infection that appeared to develop overnight.
The family rushed Tucker to receive emergency veterinary care. He was treated with antibiotics and fluids, but his condition continued to deteriorate as his temperature rose.
Despite efforts to save him, Courtney said Tucker became extremely weak and the family was ultimately forced to say goodbye.
“I want you to know I tried to do everything I could,” she told Tucker’s followers during the emotional announcement.
Just days earlier, Courtney had revealed that Tucker was receiving treatment for lymphoma and was already considered to be in partial remission. At the time, he remained active and continued swimming, visiting parks and taking walks.
Tucker joined Courtney and her husband, Mike Budzyn, as a puppy in 2018. His funny reactions, expressive face and lighthearted videos quickly made him an international social media sensation. Tucker eventually attracted millions of followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Courtney described Tucker as part of her soul and credited him with changing—and saving—her life. She also thanked his enormous online community for supporting the family and loving Tucker throughout his journey.
News of Tucker’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans who had followed him since he was a puppy. For many viewers, Tucker became much more than an internet personality—he felt like part of their own families.
The circumstances surrounding Tucker’s diagnosis and death were confirmed through Courtney Budzyn’s
