American Idol Season 19 fan-favorite Alex Miller is mourning the loss of his grandfather.
The “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya” singer took to social media to share the unfortunate news that his beloved grandpa had passed away.
“Heaven gained a good one, today we lost my ‘G.’ Granddaddy was not only my best friend, but the inspiration to what led me to sing country music,” Miller shared.
He went on to reveal that he would not be canceling any tour dates to fulfill his grandfather’s wish.
“He started putting me on stage when I was 7 and as G would want, I’m still honoring all my tour dates. RIP GB Miller.”
Miller’s American Idol audition featured clips of Miller with his Granddaddy on their Kentucky Farm. During the audition, Miller performed an original song entitled, “I’m Over You So Get Over Me ,” and was later joined by Idol judge Luke Bryan for a rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Big City.”
The rising country singer attributes his love for classic country music to his grandfather.
“I’ll give credit where credit is due, and I’ll give it to my granddad,” Miller told Country Now in 2021. “He is a walking encyclopedia. He knows all that old stuff and loves that old style of music. That is just what I grew up with and it’s what I know, and he introduced me to it.”
Miller went on to recall visiting a local train yard with his grandfather and asking to listen to songs about trains.
“He told me [there are] all kinds, so I went and bought a Hank Williams CD that had a song called ‘Pan American’ on it and I listened to that song and all the others on the CD, and I’ve been singing ever since,” Miller explained. “Can’t be any more thankful for my granddad than that.”
Miller was often seen spending lots of time with his Granddaddy. In March of 2022, the fast-rising country singer and his grandfather visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Music City.
“Had a great time today with Grandad! We went to the @officialcmhof and the @ernesttubbrecordshop! G is a huge ET fan so it made his day and mine! Love you lots even though I know you can’t figure out how to get on Instagram and Facebook! 😂😂”
The Idol alum’s “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya” music video was filmed on GB Miller’s farm in Miller’s hometown of Lancaster, Kentucky. The music video features several members of his family, including his mother and father, Brandi and Roger, respectively, as well as his grandfather, among others.
Alex Miller’s next tour date is scheduled for Friday, July 8 at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Emmetsburg, IA.
