Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Suffers Devastating Loss

George Walker IV / The Tennessean

This heartbreaking news comes almost exactly a year after he had suffered another horrible loss when his beloved mother passed away in 2016.

Big & Rich‘s ‘Big Kenny’ Alphin is mourning a terrible loss today. Both he and John Rich issued beautiful and heartfelt statements expressing their sadness, devastation, and sincere heartbreak following the news.

Just a year after Big Kenny was mourning the loss of his mother on February 3rd, 2016, he has tragically lost his father on February 1st, 2017. His father, Bill Alphin, was 86 years old.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Big Kenny expresses what an incredible man his father was and the profound impact he had on everyone around him.

“If you ever got to hear him pray, there was no doubt his heart was pure,” Kenny wrote about his beloved father. “His faith was as strong as any and his kindness and compassion for others ran deep. By example he taught us all that hard work wasn’t so hard if it was your passion and he showed us what it meant to live an exemplary life of service to God, family, and community. Referred to as a saint by many who received his kindness, he lived to love us and laugh with us and listen to us when we needed him most. He simply loved people and he loved life and Oh God how we loved him.”

In a separate statement posted to their band’s Facebook page, one of the people closest to him and his fellow duet partner, John Rich, expressed his condolences and shared his feelings of loss, too.

“I was very saddened to get the news last night that Big Kenny’s father had passed away. I knew his father well, and he was a truly great, and inspiring man. Unfortunately, we will have to postpone the [Big & Rich] show in Battle Creek for now to attend funeral services and let Kenny be with his family. I hope the fans understand, and we look forward to rescheduling as soon as possible. Prayers for Kenny and his family as they mourn the loss of Mr. Alphin.”

Our hearts are with Big Kenny, John Rich, and the Alphin family during this incredibly difficult time.

We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.