On Monday, June 21, Dierks Bentley posted a tribute in a social media post mourning the loss of a young fan named Baylee Barradas. After a long battle with cancer, Baylee passed away following the country music star's first visit last month to perform a private concert.
"Up until a month ago, I thought that the free gigs led to the gigs where I got paid in beer, and then tips on lower broadway, to the clubs and theaters...working my way up towards bigger crowds and the biggest shows at [Madison Square Garden] and bridgestone arena and my hometown arena in [Phoenix]."
Bentley's post includes a video of the visit when he performed "I Hold On" for Baylee as well as a sweet video of the girl dancing to "Drunk on a Plane" while riding in a car. He continues in the caption to explain that none of his larger performances were nearly as important as this small performance for Baylee.
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"Seeing now that I had it upside down...those big shows were all just preparation for my most important show, for an audience of one. The phrase honored and humbled gets used a lot but it is the only one appropriate for how it felt to be included by this family and be able to spend this past weekend with them, Baylee, her friends, and her dogs Arlo and Arnie."
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The country singer proceeded to thank other Nashville greats Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, and Tyler Hubbard for contributing videos for his new friend's bedside concert. "Grateful to Country Radio for the hits and having a chance to use those songs in a way that brought a lot of joy, comfort, peace and love to an unbelievably sad situation," he continued. "Baylee's father said to me, 'It's never too late to make a lifelong friend.' Nothing could be more true for me and my friend Baylee. God bless."
Rest in peace Baylee.
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