If you’re a fan of Dierks Bentley, then you’ve surely noticed a certain white, fluffy dog tagging along by his side over the years. Named Jake, the pooch was featured on Bentley’s debut album cover, and was also in his first music video, “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Over the years, Jake travelled with Bentley on tour, starred in more music videos, and even appeared on stage with him at the Grand Ole Opry. The two pals went through big personal changes in life as well. Since taking Jake home, Bentley married, and had three children.
At age 15, Jake had been through it all with Bentley. But in his old age, Bentley’s beloved pup had developed cancer. Knowing that his time with Jake was coming close to an end, Bentley included a few lines for his friend at the end of his song “Can’t Be Replaced.”
“For fifteen years right by my side/From a single man to three kids and a wife/Friends come and go, but when it comes to Jake/There’s just some things that can’t be replaced.”
Sadly, Jake passed away on July 9, with Bentley confirming the news in a simple post on social media. “rest in peace pal,” he wrote.
During a performance on his Somewhere on a Beach Tour, Bentley decided to pay tribute to his buddy in the most fitting way possible, through music. Singing his number one hit song “Every Mile a Memory,” Bentley performed an emotional tribute to Jake, as photos of the pup moved across the screens behind him.
Bentley turned around to look at the screens at the end of the song, as the rest of the crowd cheered to show their love for Jake.
You can see the emotional tribute in the video below.
It’s clear how much Bentley loved Jake, and over the years, we came to love him too. We’ll be keeping Bentley and his family in our prayers as they mourn the loss of their dear friend.
