Grammy winner Billy Strings took the stage in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 20 as if nothing was wrong. But he soon shared a story that shocked his fans and broke their heart. Per Billboard, he’d just played a show in his hometown and fell asleep on the bus when his wife, Ally Dale, gave him the devastating news.
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“I might have got three hours of sleep and I was in a deep sleep. My wife woke me up this morning and told me that my beautiful mother, Debra Apostol, passed away in her sleep,” Billy told the sold-out crowd at Rupp Arena.
Billy Strings said he didn’t know what else to do with the news of Debra Apostol’s death, so he got up and began to walk.
“I just put my shoes on and started walking,” Billy Strings said. “I walked until I saw this old country church and it was like a beacon, and I went there and knocked on the door and this kind lady let me in and she stayed with me and prayed with me for a while, and eventually gave me a ride back to where I was staying.”
Billy Strings Said Debra Apostol Would Want Him To Perform
Billy Strings told the crowd that Debra Apostol loved his fans.
“The last couple years were some of her happiest because of a lot of you folks right here,” he said. “And you all became some of her best friends and I really want to thank you for that.”
Tributes poured in for Debra Apostol, and condolences to Billy Strings and his family.
“Billy’s mom passed away last night and this home boy just owns it and just comes out and lets it go. Some incredible stuff. Wow. RIP mama strings,” a fan shared on X.
Even those who don’t really know Billy Strings and Debra Apostol were moved by his story. “Not really familiar with who you are but may god watch over your family in this dark time your mother will forever be watching over you!”
This story’s featured image is by Adam Shanker via Shutterstock.
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