Rising country artist Zach John King has canceled upcoming shows for the next two weeks following the sudden death of his father. The 29-year-old musician announced the news on Instagram this week, sharing that his father died unexpectedly on Friday.
"Friday my dad suddenly went home to Jesus," King wrote on Tuesday to his 190,000 followers. "I am cancelling the next two weeks of shows to grieve with my family."
King had been scheduled to perform at various fairs and festivals, including opening slots for Riley Green's Cowboy As It Gets Tour and Luke Bryan's Word On The Street Tour. He is also set to begin his own tour, Get to Drinkin', in the fall, with a sold-out show in Indianapolis on October 1.
In his tribute, King described his father, John King, as "our family’s rock. My best friend. The greatest man I will ever know." He added that his father was "a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of Jesus you’ll only find once in a lifetime." King recalled his father's consistent joy, attributing it to his faith, stating, "Those that knew him knew his eyes were never fixed on this weary world."
King expressed the profound pain of losing his father, writing, "We wanted 25 more years with him and that pain will cut deep for the rest of my life." However, he found solace in his father's spiritual beliefs, adding, "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 musician shared a collection of photos with his father, who was smiling in each image. He later posted a message on Instagram Stories expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and sharing that he had been moved by the stories people shared about his father.
"I am overwhelmed by [y'all's] love and prayers for our family," King stated. "I am also overwhelmed by the beautiful stories of my dad I didn't even know about." He concluded, "God Bless y'all. Be back soon."
King's initial Instagram post ended with his father's daily affirmation: "today is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it".
His fall tour, Get to Drinkin', includes sold-out dates in Columbus, Ohio; Toronto; New York City; and Boston, with the final show scheduled for November 7 in Atlanta, Georgia.