Lauren Alaina Honors Her Late Father on What Would Have Been His 13th Sobriety Anniversary
It’s been just over a year since Lauren Alaina’s father, JJ Suddeth, passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024. Now, the country singer is remembering him with an emotional message and a heartfelt reminder about love, loss, and the ongoing fight against addiction.
Remembering Her Father’s Legacy
On Monday, October 6, Alaina posted a deeply personal video to Instagram, marking what would have been her father’s 13th year of sobriety. Fighting through tears, she opened up about the reality of his struggle and how relapse ultimately played a role in his passing.
“This is a really hard video for me to make, but I’m gonna do it to honor my dad,” she began. “Today would’ve been his 13th year of sobriety if he had made it. He passed away a little over a year ago. But he didn’t make it to his 12th year either, and I’m not even sure about his 11th. He relapsed, and it’s a major contributing factor to why he’s no longer here with us.”
The raw and honest moment offered fans a glimpse into Alaina’s healing process as she continues to grieve while also using her platform to encourage others who may be fighting similar battles.
A Message of Hope for Those Struggling
In the same video, Alaina turned her grief into a message of hope.
“If you’re struggling, there are so many people who love you,” she said. “You have to love yourself enough to get the help that you need. Surround yourself with people who love you.”
It’s a message that echoes her late father’s memory — one of resilience and compassion — as she continues to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma around addiction.
Honoring Him Through Acts of Love
While speaking to the camera, Alaina revealed she had been sorting through her father’s clothes to donate them to a veterans’ organization, honoring his time in the Army.
“Maybe there’s a man out there who needs it and can wear my dad’s clothes and find hope — find the hope that my dad couldn’t find,” she said.
The “Wings of an Angel” singer also shared that she plans to keep a few pieces of his clothing to create a blanket for her newborn daughter, Beni, who was born after his passing.
“That way, she’ll always have a piece of him,” she added softly.
Love and Support From Fans and Friends
Following the post, fans and fellow artists flooded the comments with support.
Carly Pearce wrote, “Love you, Lauren.”
Another fan added, “You’re doing amazing. I trust that he is still with you in so many ways. Love you, girl.”
Others shared words of comfort and encouragement:
“I can’t think of a more fitting honor than to have your daddy’s clothes wrapped around a soul that needs it most.”
“There’s no such thing as addiction in Heaven. He loves you and he’s always so proud of you.”
Keeping His Spirit Alive
Since her father’s passing, Alaina has made it a mission to keep his memory alive through her music and actions. In August, she released “Little Things,” a song dedicated to him and to anyone “learning to let go of the noise and hold tight to what really matters.”
Through vulnerability and grace, Lauren Alaina continues to transform her pain into purpose — ensuring that her father’s story, strength, and love live on.
You can watch her emotional tribute below.