Lauren Alaina Shares News of Her Father J.J. Suddeth's Death: 'I Really Don't Have Words Yet'

The country star announced she's cancelling three upcoming performances "to be with my family" in the wake of her father's death

Lauren Alaina dad
Lauren Alaina and J.J. Suddeth. Photo:

Lauren Alaina/Instagram

Lauren Alaina's father, J.J. Suddeth, has died.

The country singer, 29, posted to social media on July 24 to share news of Suddeth's death with her fans, letting them know she's canceling three upcoming performances "to be with my family" following the loss. His cause of death is currently unknown.

"We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet," wrote Alaina, before announcing she won't open for Jason Aldean on July 25 or 26 nor perform her own set at Carowinds Summer Music Festival as previously scheduled.

"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," she added.

"Thank you for your prayers and understanding," concluded Alaina, who signed off as "Pinky," a nickname Suddeth called her.

Reps for Alaina had no further comment when reached by PEOPLE.

Lauren Alaina dad
Lauren Alaina and J.J. Suddeth.

Lauren Alaina/Instagram

The American Idol alum was quite close with Suddeth, who attended many of his daughter's concerts as well as her wedding to husband Cam Arnold in February. Last month, she shared photos of them together at the ceremony to Instagram in celebration of Father's Day.

"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’," Alaina wrote alongside tearful photos of her father at the wedding. "Love, your turd (pinky)."

Suddeth dealt with alcoholism throughout his life, and Alaina was open about the experience on numerous occasions. In 2018, she shared a lengthy Instagram post to mark his fifth year of sobriety.

"I am trying so hard to find the words to describe what today means to me. My daddy celebrates five years of sobriety today. His bravery and will power in the last few years has been so inspiring," she wrote at the time.

Lauren Alaina dad
Lauren Alaina and J.J. Suddeth.

Lauren Alaina/Instagram

Alaina continued, "He hit rock bottom and built his way back up to the top. Dad- You are the best example of what it means to better yourself everyday. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my daddy. I love you so much. FIVE. YEARS. SOBER."

The same year, Alaina shared news that her stepfather Sam Ramker, who was married to Alaina’s mom, Kristy, died of cancer. "He was the purest example of how to love and live life fully," the "What Ifs" singer wrote on Instagram at the time.

After publicly announcing Suddeth's death, Alaina received supportive comments from many fellow country stars in her Instagram comments. "I love you. So very sorry," wrote Trisha Yearwood.

"My heart breaks for you. Good for you for taking the time process and grieve. Here for you," said TJ Osborne. His sister-in-law Lucie Silvas added, "So sorry Lauren. We all love you. Sending love and support to you and your family."

Brantley Gilbert commented, "Prayers to you and the family! Here for anything y’all need."

"Sending you so much love," wrote Martina McBride. Travis Denning added, "I’m so sorry my friend. Thinkin’ of you and your loved ones."

Related Articles