Alan Jackson's mother, Ruth "Mama Ruth" Musick, died on Saturday (Jan. 7) at her home in Newnan, Ga. She was 86.
Musick was born in Lowell, Ga., and lived most of her life in Newnan in the same home where she raised Jackson. Fans who visited Musick's home were often greeted by her with a smile and a glass of sweet tea.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Alan's beloved mother - Ruth Jackson. https://t.co/f3D4MXEZaz pic.twitter.com/OUY9UViQSs
— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) January 8, 2017
Mama Ruth was a core influence in Jackson's music. His gospel album, Precious Memories, was recorded as a Mother's Day gift to Musick with no intention of publishing it commercially. After the record company heard the final product, they urged him to release it. Precious Memories went on to be a No. 1 album and earned Country Album of the Year at the 2013 Dove Awards.
In this video, Jackson sings "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You" to his mother at the Ryman Auditorium in 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i20lT_6BRw4
Musick married Jackson's father, Joseph Eugene, "Daddy Gene," in 1946. He passed in 2000. She is survived by their five children.
RIP Mama Ruth.
