Lauren Alaina Lost Her Father, JJ Suddeth, One Year Ago
Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina is marking the first anniversary of her father’s unexpected death. On July 24th, 2024, she shared a simple text post which read:
“We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet.”
She told her fans that she would cancel her following three shows to go home and mourn with her family.
Lauren Shares Heartfelt Reflections On The First Anniversary Of Her Father’s Death
One year later, Lauren Alaina shared a raw and authentic text update in the same style she shared the initial news of her father’s passing. She wrote:
“I’ve spent the last 365 days learning how to live in a world that doesn’t have my daddy in it. Some days I still forget and reach for the phone to tell him something. Other days, I sit in silence and let the grief come in.”
Lauren reflected on how grief manifests in the “little things” – holidays, birthdays, life changes, and family gatherings. She continued:
“It’s dreaming you’re here and waking up remembering. It’s life moving forward but feeling stuck in what was. It’s in the way I go about my days now. Slower. Softer. More aware of what truly matters and what doesn’t.”
Swipe through the slides below to read Lauren Alaina’s full post dedicated to her father.
How Grief Has Inspired New Music
Along with the emotional tribute, Lauren Alaina announced her newest song, “Little Things,” inspired by her father. She shared:
“This is not just a song, it’s an open letter to him. A way of telling him how my heart and my perspective have changed since he left us. I want him to know that his passing opened my eyes so much. To prioritize my mental health. To call people back when I say I’m going to. To share if I’m struggling. To let go of things that don’t matter and focus on what does.”
At the end of the few pages of her heartfelt words, Lauren shared a snippet of the demo for “Little Things.” Listen to it below!
Lauren Alaina Mourns The Death Of Her Cousin
Just three days prior, the “Road Less Traveled” singer shared the news that her cousin, Holly Witherow, had passed away at the age of 41. Holly had previously beaten brain cancer and survived a nearly fatal brain bleed in 2019. According to her obituary, she died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Lauren credits Holly as “the reason I ever started singing.” Fans may remember her from American Idol in 2011, as she accompanied Lauren during much of the competition. Lauren shared an emotional video tribute to her beloved cousin and wrote:
“Wherever Holly went I was always close behind. She is the sister I never had and my favorite person on this planet.”
See Lauren’s tribute to Holly in the video below.