Lauren Alaina is remembering her father on what would have been his 13th year of sobriety.
It’s been just over a year since Lauren Alaina’s father, JJ Suddeth, unexpectedly passed away on July 23, 2024. Alaina originally shared the heartbreaking news with fans through a statement on her social media.
“We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet,” she wrote.
Since his passing, Alaina has made it a point to honor his memory in any way she can. In August, she even released a song dedicated to him called “Little Things.”
The American Idol alum said the song was for “anyone learning to let go of the noise and hold tight to what really matters.”
Lauren Alaina Shares Emotional Video About Her Father’s Battle With Addiction
On Monday, October 6, Alaina posted a very vulnerable video to her Instagram, opening up about her father. The video was shared on what would have been his 13th year of sobriety, if he hadn’t relapsed before his passing.
“This is a really hard video for me to make, but I’m gonna do it to honor my dad,” she said to the camera crying. “Today would’ve been his 13th year of sobriety if he had made it. He passed away a little over a year ago. But he didn’t make it to his 12th year either, and I’m not even sure about his 11th. He relapsed, and it’s a major contributing factor to why he’s no longer here with us.”
She also encouraged anyone watching who might be struggling to lean on the people who love them for support.
“If you’re struggling, there are so many people who love you and for you to love yourself and to get the help that you need,” she said. “Surround yourself with people who love you.”
As the video continued, Alaina shared that she was going through some of her father’s clothes to donate to a veterans’ organization, in honor of his own time served in the Army.
“Maybe there’s a man out there who needs it and can wear my dad’s clothes and find hope, find the hope that my dad couldn’t find,” she said.
The “Wings of an Angel” singer also said she’s going to take a few pieces of clothing and turn them into a blanket for her newborn daughter, Beni, who was born after her father’s death.
After sharing the emotional vido, Alaina’s friends and fans flooded the comments with messages of love and support.
“Love you, Lauren,” country star Carly Pearce wrote.
“pls take care of yourself,” a fan said. “You’re doing amazing. I trust that he is still with you in so many ways. Love you girl”
“I can’t think of a more fitting honor than to have your daddys clothes wrapped around a soul that needs it most. Sending much love,” commented another.
“There’s no such thing as addiction in Heaven. He loves you and he’s always so proud of you,” added someone else.
You can watch Lauren’s video honoring her father below.