Lauren Alaina Announces The Passing Of Her Beloved Cousin
Country music sweetheart Lauren Alaina has experienced the tragic loss of another family member. On July 21st, she shared the heartbreaking news that her cousin, Holly Sheri Witherow, had died at 41 years old. On an Instagram story, Lauren confirmed:
“Holly finally got complete and total healing and is walking with Jesus.”
Holly was a notable part of Lauren Alaina’s American Idol journey in 2011. Fans may remember her accompanying Lauren to her audition and staying by her side through much of the competition. At the time, the aspiring singer told the judges that Holly was “the reason I ever started singing.”
Along with an emotional video highlighting various clips of Lauren and Holly together, the singer wrote:
“Wherever Holly went I was always close behind. She is the sister I never had and my favorite person on this planet.”
Lauren thanked her fans for the love and prayers they have sent her way. She continued:
“It truly means the world. Please keep my aunt & uncle in your continued prayers. As a new mother, I cannot even fathom the pain of losing a child. I love you forever, Holly. Give my daddy a hug for me 🤍”
The “Road Less Traveled” singer also lost her father, JJ Suddeth, in July 2024.
Watch Lauren Alaina’s tribute to her cousin Holly below.
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Holly Was A Brain Cancer Survivor And Suffered A Brain Bleed In 2019
In 2019, while competing on Dancing With The Stars, Lauren Alaina rushed back home to Nashville for an emergency visit after her cousin Holly suffered from a brain bleed and slipped into a coma. In an interview the following week, Lauren shared:
“It was not looking very good… But if I can say anything about her, Holly, she’s a stage four cancer brain tumor survivor. They told her she was going to die 12 years ago and she did not.”
However, Holly miraculously survived against the odds, beginning to breathe, speak, and move on her own after just a few days.
According to her obituary, Holly died at home on July 19th, surrounded by her loved ones.
How Lauren And Cam Honored Late Family Members With Their Daughter’s Name
Lauren Alaina and her husband, Cam Arnold, welcomed their first child on June 11th. The beautiful baby girl is named Beni Doll, inspired by special family members who have passed.
The new parents shared a video online telling the heartwarming story behind the name. Beni is for Lauren’s grandfather, Benny, whom she says, “helped raise me, taught me how to play basketball. He bought me my first karaoke machine… he was very proud of that.”
The middle name “doll” came from Cam’s late aunt, Lucy Doll Arnold. Lucy was born on the family’s 175-year-old farm where Cam’s parents now reside. She never had kids, so the name is a “little nod” to keep her in the family.
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