Country star Lauren Alaina cancels Virginia Beach stop after death of father

VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY) — Country star Lauren Alaina has canceled several tour stops with Jason Aldean, including Friday’s show in Virginia Beach, after the death of her father, J.J. Suddeth.

“We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet,” said Alaina, whose full name is Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth. She took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce her father’s death.

“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,” Alaina added. “Thank you for your prayers and understanding.”

The 29-year-old American Idol alum and Georgia native signed off as “Pinky,” the nickname her father called her.

She explained during her Grand Ole Opry induction in 2022 that Suddeth would hold up his pinky in support at her shows to show support when Alaina was nervous.

“My dad and I have this really sweet thing that we do,” she said. “When I was little, I always held his pinky. So, when he comes to see me at my shows, he’ll stand out in the crowd and hold up his pinky, and that’s his way of telling me that he loves me.”

Alaina’s family has not shared details about Suddeth’s death at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.