Country star Lauren Alaina cancels concerts to mourn her father’s death
Lauren Alaina is taking time to grieve the death of her father, J.J. Suddeth. The country singer and “American Idol” alum told her fans in a statement shared on social media Wednesday that she lost her dad last night and she doesn’t have words yet.
Alaina shared that she “couldn’t” perform at her scheduled shows in Savannah, Virginia Beach and Charlotte this weekend. She is currently on tour with Jason Aldean.
“I want everyone to know that I won’t be able to play the three shows I had scheduled for this weekend in Savannah, Virginia Beach and Charlotte because I’m going home to be with my family,” Alaina continued. “Thank you for your prayers and understanding.”
The singer signed the message “Pinky.” During her Grand Ole Opry induction in February 2022, Lauren Alaina told the audience the special meaning of raising her pinky finger when she gets nervous while she’s performing.
“My dad and I have something really sweet to do,” she said. “When I was little, I always held his pinky. So when he comes to see me at my shows, he stands out in the crowd and holds his pinky, and that’s his way of telling me that he loves me.”
Lauren Alaina did not share any details about Suddeth’s death. Also read – Hailey Bieber has opened up about rumours about her relationship with her husband, Justin Bieber.
Lauren Alaina’s sweet father-daughter relationship with J.J. Suddeth
Last month, Lauren Alaina wrote a touching tribute to her father in honour of Father’s Day. The singer shared photos of her wedding to her husband Cam Arnold earlier this year. Alaina wrote the song “My Old Man” for her and Suddeth to dance to at their nuptials.
“Happy Father’s Day to ‘my old man’ with a heart the size of Texas! I love you so much Dad and I hope you have the best day fishing,” she wrote. “Love, Your Turd (pinky).”
Alaina previously shared how proud she was of Suddeth for overcoming his alcohol addiction after getting a divorce.
“My dad is a recovering alcoholic and when my mom filed for divorce, he checked himself into rehab,” she revealed to Parade in January 2017. “They didn’t work it out, which is unfortunate, but it’s a blessing in disguise because my dad is sober and happy and now he is a great man and he has grown up a lot because mom asked for a divorce.”
The singer has long spoken of the musical bond she shares with her banjo-playing father. She described her father’s childhood dream of playing banjo on the big Ole Opry.
“Ever since my father was a child, his dream was to play banjo on the Grand Ole Opry,” she said at his inauguration. “As a little girl, of course, I learned about this Disneyworld of country music, a magical place called the Grand Ole Opry, where all the biggest hit artists in country music played.”
“Although I heard it on the radio as a kid, I never attended the Opry in person until the day I made my debut. And my dad has been able to play with me a couple of times since I started playing there. My Family had made so many of their dream come true” Alaina added.
Celebrities supported Alaina.
The country music community showed their support for Lauren Alaina during her difficult time. Martina McBride wrote: “Sending you lots of love.”
Trisha Yearwood said: “I love you. I’m so sorry.”
We are so sorry for your loss! Your Opry family sends much love and comfort to you and yours,” commented the official Opry account.
Brantley Gilbert offered “prayers to you and your family! Here for anything you need.”
Christie Brinkley wrote: “May the precious memories of your happiest days together remain fresh forever. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He raised a sweet daughter.”
Lauren Alaina lost her stepfather Sam Ranker in 2018
After her parents separated, Alaina’s mother, Kristy Suddeth, moved on with Sam Ranker. In 2018, Alaina lost her stepfather to stage 4 cancer.
“My stepfather, Sam… was the purest example of how to love and live life fully,” Alaina wrote via Instagram in October 2018. “His last hours were some of the most incredible moments I know I will ever have the privilege of witnessing.”
She continued: “We will only be here for a short period and we have to live as if there is no tomorrow. I want us all to be a little more like Sam. He was strong. He was the most compassionate person in the world. He would go alone to help a stranger. He was a great father.”