Jeremy Renner's family was on his mind throughout his horrifying New Year's Day snowplow accident, and have been a force in his recovery.
The Hawkeye actor — who is father to daughter Ava, 10, with ex Sonni Pacheco — is still recovering from the devastating Jan. 1 incident that saw him break more than 30 bones.
In his first interview since, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star spoke to Diane Sawyer briefly about what Ava told him after the scary accident, which occurred after they'd had a big family New Year's Eve party the night before.
"She didn't have to say anything," said the father of one, 52, with emotion in his voice. "She said she's scared. She said she loved me."
Last month, Renner celebrated Ava's 10th birthday with a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, sharing that her "hugs and love" have helped "heal me so incredibly fast" as he continues to recover from the accident.
"Happy 10th Birthday to you!!!! So very proud of you in every way. Your hugs and your love, have healed me so incredibly fast," he began his message alongside a picture of the pair where Ava's face was concealed by a heart sticker.
"I stand up for you, and I am stronger than before because of you," Renner continued. "I am your Father, I am your protector, and I am only yours. I love you, Daddy."
Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview — A Story of Terror, Survival and Triumph will be available to stream on Hulu Friday.