Father doesn’t show up

Hi, so I know everyone’s families are different and there’s no one fits all solution but I’m just looking to vent and get some input! My daughter is now 6 years old and her dad is really starting to not show up for her. We have been separated since she was 2, almost 3. At the beginning he did his visits but now it’s gotten less and less. He hasn’t paid child support in over a year, which I’ve let go for the sake of my daughter just because I wanted her to see her dad and have a relationship. I texted him last night and said 1045 am tomorrow he said okay. That time rolls around and nothing, I give him 15 mins call and text and nothing. Still haven’t heard from him and it’s 2pm. Last Saturday he didn’t come get her because he “had a sore throat”. Every week it’s something and I can see it’s starting to affect my girl. My heart breaks for her and I want to make sure I’m saying and doing the right things so that she doesn’t get affected negatively by it. So far I’ve just sat her down and told her it’s not her fault daddy just had a lot of stuff going on or he’s sick or whatever but how long do I cover for him?! And what else can I say to her??