Blake Shelton’s Late Father, Richard Shelton, Receives Great Honor

Courtesy of Blake Shelton via Nash Country Weekly

On January 17, 2012, Blake Shelton lost someone he always held close to his heart…his father, Richard “Dick” Shelton.

After experiencing a year-long struggle with health issues that resulted in hospitalization for pneumonia, Dick passed away in his home state of Oklahoma while surrounded by his loved ones. Blake was forced to cancel several of his tour dates as a result, and thanked his fans on his website at the time for their support.

“I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and thank you for all your prayers. Your support means the world to me. I love you guys,” he wrote.

A little over a month before Dick’s death, Blake had his father in his mind and his heart when he accepted an award at the 2011 ACA Awards, and thanked him with an emotional message in his speech.

“I want to say hi to my dad back home … he’s been having a pretty rough couple of weeks, and I know he’s watching tonight,” Blake said. “I love you, Dad, and I dedicate this to you, man. Thank you.”

Now, four years after Dick passed away, he’s being honored in a big way.

As Blake revealed on Twitter, the St. Anthony hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma has dedicated a fountain in a new wing of the hospital to his father.

Blake first said that the whole wing was named after his father, but later clarified that it is just the fountain, and also shared a picture of the beautiful decoration.

So proud and thankful to Dr. Haddad and St. Anthony hospital in Shawnee Oklahoma for dedicating the new wing to my dad Richard Lee Shelton.

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) March 9, 2016

Sorry.. Meant to say the fountain in the new wing is dedicated to my dad. pic.twitter.com/1Fe0pby0aX

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) March 9, 2016

What a fitting tribute to Blake’s father!

We’re sure Dick would be so proud of his son and all he’s accomplished. One such accomplishment is his newest single “Came Here to Forget,” which is already a major hit with fans. You can listen to the song below.