Luke Bryan Opens Up About Taking In Nephew Following Family Tragedies

Today/NBC

Luke Bryan first wanted to move to Nashville when he was 19-years-old, but tragedy struck his family when his older brother, Chris, was killed in a car accident. Instead, he went to college and after graduating, he finally moved to Music City after his dad fired him from the family farm.

He began working as a songwriter for a few years and had some hits on his hands. For him, writing a few No. 1’s was living the dream.

In 2007, he got the chance to cut his first album, and now, he is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year with sold out stadium shows and an extremely loyal fanbase.

Following his album launch and his Opry debut, his older sister, Kelly passed away unexpectedly. Seven years later, her husband died from unknown causes, which left the couple’s three kids without parents.

Bryan and his wife, Caroline, took in their children, including their young son, Tilden. 

In a new interview with The Today Show, Bryan reflects on his darkest moments and helping his family get through the toughest times they’ll ever know.

“It’s an amazingly emotional, tough moment watching these children navigating life without parents,” he said. “We just want to be positive for them.”

He and Caroline not only want to be positive for their nieces and nephew, but also for the public. They know that other people have gone through tragedies just like they have and the Bryans want to be an inspiration for them.

“With all the stuff that’s certainly happened to me and my family I think it’s important for me to inspire people that you’ve had some bumps but you can still try to walk through your daily life pretty optimistic and having a blast with it,” he says.

For a musician like Bryan, he shares his wisdom and strength through his music. At a chillingly appropriate time, he released the “coolest sad song ever”, “Drink A Beer”.

Bryan released the song several years after his sister’s passing, but just before his brother-in-law, Lee, passed away. 

Watch him perform “Drink A Beer” below.

 

And watch his full interview with The Today Show below.