On July 24, Lauren Alaina shared the tragic news that her father, J.J. Suddeth, had died. The onetime American Idol runner-up wrote, “We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet,” and she has stayed silent ever since. Now she has shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, offering thanks for the support she has received, while also announcing she is returning to the stage.

“Thank you. I can’t think of much else to say right now other than thank you. Thank you to everyone who has checked on me and continued to show up for me,” Alaina writes. “Thank you to @jasonaldean and @brittanyaldean and your team for treating me like family. Thank you to my husband for being the arms that are holding me together all day and all night long. Thank you to my momma and bonus dad for coming out on the road with me. Thank you to my team for giving me a loving environment on the road. Most of all thank you Jesus for the unconditional love and strength from the Kingdom of God surrounding all of us right now as we navigate this pain and sorrow. See you this weekend IN, OH, PA 🤍” (The Boot)