Bluegrass sensation Billy Strings is grieving the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Debra Apostal, who passed away just hours after he performed at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival in his hometown of Lansing, Michigan.
During a show in Lexington, Kentucky, on Friday, the 32-year-old artist opened up to fans about the emotional toll of the past day.
“After our set, we drove through the night. I finally fell asleep around 5:40 a.m. here in Lexington,” Strings recalled on stage, according to PEOPLE. “I was in a deep sleep when my wife woke me and told me that my beautiful mother, Debra Apostal, had passed away in her sleep.”
In search of solace, the “Dust in a Baggie” singer said he simply started walking.
“I ended up at this little country church, almost like it was calling me. I knocked, and a kind lady welcomed me in. She stayed and prayed with me for a while.”
Carrying On for His Mom
Despite the devastating news, Strings chose to continue with his scheduled performance.
“It was my decision to go on with tonight’s show — because that’s exactly what my mom would’ve wanted,” he said.
He described how much Debra loved the community and how the past few years had been some of her happiest, thanks in large part to the fans and friends they had made.
“She loved you all so much,” he told the audience. “You all became some of our best friends. Thank you for that.”
Then, in a powerful tribute, he asked the crowd for one thing:
“Instead of a moment of silence… can you please make as much noise right now for my mom?”
Billy’s father, bluegrass musician Terry Barber, had joined him onstage the previous night. Debra Apostal was not in attendance. She passed away early Friday morning, June 20, according to the Lansing State Journal.
