Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Aldean, performed a moving duet of Luke Bryan’s song “Drink a Beer” in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On Tuesday, the 48-year-old country singer and the 37-year-old former American Idol contestant shared a joint Instagram post featuring a black-and-white video. In it, Jason played guitar while seated on a counter as Brittany stood beside him, harmonizing on Bryan’s 2013 ballad about unexpected loss.
“For Charlie,” the couple wrote in the caption, adding a red heart emoji.
The performance began with an image of the two taken at Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Nearly 100,000 people attended to honor the Turning Point USA founder, who was shot and killed outside Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
On Monday, Brittany reflected on the service in an Instagram post. She described the day as “overwhelming,” but also uplifting, saying Kirk’s impact on others was undeniable.
“Yesterday we went to Charlie’s funeral service in Arizona, and it was vastly different than what I anticipated in the sense that it was just so faith-based,” Brittany shared. “Everyone was worshiping … there was just something different in the room.”
She went on to say the gathering felt less like a farewell and more like a revival. “His death does feel like – everyone said in the services – a revival. It’s putting more people in touch with their faith, and just making such a difference in so many different lives,” she said.
Brittany recalled expecting to cry throughout but instead left feeling inspired by stories of Kirk’s influence. “They keep saying live like Charlie, so I’m going to really try to do that daily,” she concluded.
The service featured tributes from President Donald Trump, Erika Kirk, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among others.
The following night in Detroit, Jason Aldean also honored Kirk during a concert. He paused mid-show to speak about his late friend.
“An amazing person by the name of Charlie Kirk was murdered yesterday in Utah,” Aldean told fans, as seen in video captured by an audience member. The crowd erupted in cheers at the mention of Kirk’s name.
“One of the best people ever,” Aldean said. “This is not the guy you go after, is what I’m trying to say. And it’s a weird country that we live in when you start taking people out because you disagree with their opinions. That’s not what we’re about here.”
Aldean connected Kirk’s legacy to his own 2023 single, “Try That in a Small Town”, a song that drew backlash and was briefly pulled from CMT.
“I remember when we put this song out, people like Charlie Kirk were some of the first to say, ‘That’s what it’s about. This country coming together, calling out the bulls— when we see it, trying to get everything back on track,’” he said.
The singer then dedicated a performance of the song to Kirk, praising his lifelong commitment to America’s future. “Charlie is a guy that’s going to be very, very much missed, and this is something that his legacy is going to live on forever with Turning Point [USA] and what he’s done with only 31 years on this planet, it’s amazing.”
Authorities identified the murder suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other charges. Court documents allege Robinson hid the rifle, discarded clothing, and urged a roommate to delete texts and remain silent. A judge has ordered him held without bail.
