Country Singer Lauren Alaina Cancels 3 Shows After Her Father Dies

Lauren Alaina attends the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 25, 2021. Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Country music star Lauren Alaina canceled upcoming performances for this weekend, to mourn the loss of her father, J.J. Suddeth.

The 29-year-old shared the news with fans in a July 24 Instagram post, canceling three shows to be with family.

“We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have the words yet,” she wrote.

“I want to let y’all know that I’m not able to play the three shows I had scheduled for this weekend in Savannah, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte as I am going home to be with my family. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.”

The “American Idol” alum was on the road touring with singer Jason Aldean, and was also slated to perform at the “Carowinds Summer Music Festival” in North Carolina.

Her next tour date is scheduled for August 1, at the “Darien Lake Amphitheater”.

Her father’s cause of death was not immediately known.

In past interviews, Ms. Alaina has opened up about her father’s struggle with alcoholism and his road to sobriety.

The lyrics of her song “Doin' Fine,” reflect on those personal hardships, which she admits brought them closer together.

She credits his recovery at the time to her parents’ divorce, which she called a “blessing in disguise” after he ended up checking himself into rehab.

Meanwhile, Ms. Alaina received an outpouring of support after her post from friends and fellow country artists, including Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood, who sent their love and condolences.

Country rock singer Brantley Gilbert offered his prayers to Ms. Alaina and her family, writing “here for anything y'all need.”

Last month, the “Road Less Traveled” singer honored her father in a series of photos via Instagram from her wedding day, with the caption, “Happy Fathers Day to ’my old man' with a heart the size of Texas!! I love you so much daddy and hope you have the best day fishin’.”

The two long shared a musical bond, as her father was a banjo player. Ms. Alaina highlighted their connection during her induction speech at the Grand Ole Opry, the world famous venue of country music, in 2022.

“Ever since my daddy was a child, it was his dream to play the banjo at the Grand Ole Opry … So, when I was a girl, of course, I learned about this Disneyworld of country music, a magical place called the Grand Ole Opry, where all of country music’s most successful artists played,” she said.

Eventually, those dreams became a reality as her dad was able to play alongside her a number of times since then.

In response to her loss, the official Opry page also commented on Ms. Alaina’s post, writing “we are so very sorry for your loss! Your Opry family is sending you lots of love and comfort to you and yours.”