Ukrainian gymnast and wife of well-known choreographer Yevhen Kot, Natalia Tatarintseva, shared a tragic piece of news with her Instagram followers on November 9, 2026: her father passed away on November 5, 2026. According to his daughter, the cause of death was an illness that progressed very rapidly. Tatarintseva did not name a specific diagnosis. The family has already said their final goodbyes to the man, with the funeral taking place just prior to the publication of the farewell message.
Farewell post and family photographs
On her Instagram, Tatarintseva published a series of family photos spanning different periods of her father's life: childhood pictures of Natalia herself, her parents' wedding portrait, shared moments with her daughter, and snapshots of the man posing with his little granddaughter Lelia. The gymnast accompanied the photos with a farewell message admitting that family members are still struggling to believe what happened. "Goodbye, our dear one. Our most precious. Our best man, dad, and grandfather. We still can't believe we are writing these words. That yesterday we had to accompany you on your final journey. That now our life will be without you," she wrote.
"Smiling, cheerful, and charismatic"
In her memories, the daughter described her father as an active, cheerful person who loved jokes, socializing, and meeting with friends, and who always had plenty of stories to entertain his loved ones. Natalia emphasized that she wants to preserve him in her memory precisely like this—smiling, cheerful, and charismatic. Particular pain, she noted, comes from the realization that there will no longer be the familiar conversations, jokes, and hugs. "I love you so much, dad. And it hurts me terribly to realize that I will no longer be able to hug you, hear your voice, laugh at your jokes, or simply be near you," the gymnast confessed.
Memories for the granddaughter
Tatarintseva dedicated a separate part of her farewell message to her father's relationship with her daughter Lelia, whom she is raising together with Yevhen Kot. Natalia admitted she feels sad about how little time they were able to spend together, but promised to preserve memories of her grandfather for the child. "I promise you, dad, that she will know how wonderful her grandfather was. How you loved life, how you knew how to laugh, and how deeply you loved your family," she addressed her father. The gymnast also noted that she and her mother will miss the father in everyday moments—during family holidays, gatherings, and phone calls.
Condolences from colleagues and friends
Words of support from friends, colleagues, and prominent Ukrainians appeared under Natalia's farewell post. Journalist and interviewer Ramina Eshakzai expressed condolences to the family: "Accept my condolences." Masha Cherednichenko also supported Natalia: "My condolences, I'm hugging you, stay strong." Miroslava Volchanskaya joined the words of support as well: "Natasha, my sincere condolences, hugs." In the comments, followers expressed sympathy to Natalia and her mother, wishing them strength to endure the loss and sharing words of support.
Context: Who is Natalia Tatarintseva
Natalia Tatarintseva is a Ukrainian gymnast known for her performances in national and international competitions. In 2020, she married choreographer and TV host Yevhen Kot, with whom she is raising daughter Lelia. The couple is one of the prominent families in Ukrainian show business and the sports community. Information about the death of Natalia's father was first published by the entertainment project Styler (RБК-Украина) citing her personal Instagram post.
