Country singer Zach John King has shared the heartbreaking news that his father, Erick, has died suddenly.
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The 29-year-old announced the loss in an emotional social media post on Tuesday, July 14.
King also revealed that he is canceling all of his performances over the next two weeks as he takes time to grieve with his family.
Country Singer Mourns Sudden Death of His Father
In his heartfelt tribute, King said his father had "suddenly went home to Jesus."
Reflecting on the profound impact Erick had on his life, the singer described him as his greatest role model and closest friend.
"He was our family's rock. My best friend. The greatest man I will ever know. John King was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of Jesus you'll only find once in a lifetime," he wrote.
"Those that knew him knew his eyes were never fixed on this weary world. It used to frustrate me how joyful he could be even in the worst moments of life. In his own words, that joy came from 'the hope I have in Jesus.'"
King did not reveal his father's cause of death but said that, in the "blink of an eye," he had gone to Jesus, "where his soul longed to be."
Singer Cancels Shows to Grieve With Family
King admitted the loss has left an enormous void in his family's lives.
"We wanted 25 more years with him and that pain will cut deep for the rest of my life."
"However, if there were ever a moment to be sure my dad is waiting for me in the very place all of our souls long for, it would be now."
The country singer said he will step away from performing for two weeks before honoring his father's wishes by returning to the stage.
He also reflected on one of his father's favorite sayings: "Today is the day the [Lord] has made I will rejoice and be glad in it."
King ended his tribute with the message, "I love you dad. I'll see you soon."
Raised in Fayetteville, Georgia, King has often credited his family with inspiring his love of country music.
His grandparents first introduced him to the genre before his father broadened his musical horizons with a preloaded iPod Shuffle.
King has not announced when he will resume touring.
Before the cancellation, he had been scheduled to perform at several fairs and festivals, as well as selected dates on Luke Bryan's Country Song Came On Tour and Riley Green's Cowboy As It Gets Tour.
