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Jul 28, 2023

Granger Smith returns to stage, debuts new tattoo in honor of late son, River

Granger Smith is trying to heal through what he knows

Granger Smith is trying to heal through what he knows best -- his music.

The country singer, 39, who announced the death of his 3-year-old son River earlier this month, performed for the first time since the death in Chicago on Sunday.

Smith closed out the three days of a local country festival, which featured fellow stars like Luke Bryan, and debuted a new tattoo on his arm in honor of his late son.

The arm tattoo simply says "River."

Smith's wife, Amber, also posted from the weekend with her children, trying to love and inspire them the best she can while also honoring and remembering River.

"We just happened to be in the same city as the 'biiiigggggggest T-Rex' ever found. We had to make a trip to see it in honor of River," she wrote. "Getting back on the road and back into daily life without River has not been easy in the slightest. Every single thing reminds me of him, and all I can think about is how he would love exploring and seeing all that we are seeing."

She added how much she misses her boy's "silly personality and his bright light."

We just happened to be in the same city as the "biiiigggggggest T-Rex" ever found. We had to make a trip to see it in honor of River. This dinosaur was discovered in FAITH, South Dakota by a woman named Sue. And he died by a River ♥️. Open your eyes and you will see signs all around you. We think just maybe, Riv is having the best time of his life in Heaven with this 🦖. Getting back on the road and back into daily life without River has not been easy in the slightest. Every single thing reminds me of him, and all I can think about is how he would love exploring and seeing all that we are seeing. I see his name everywhere, I see little red-headed toddlers everywhere. I miss his silly personality and his bright light. I see his face in our other kiddos. I have this pit in my stomach constantly, because I'm trying to make life as normal as possible for our other 2 incredible kiddos, London and Lincoln, while hurting so bad inside. I look around at everyone else and wonder if anyone is going through something like we are. Dumb little things don't matter anymore. My family does. My faith does. We've got this, because God's got us ✝️. Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and love. It really does help us so much. #livelikeriv

A post shared by Amber Smith (@amberemilysmith) on Jun 23, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

"I see his face in our other kiddos. I have this pit in my stomach constantly, because I'm trying to make life as normal as possible for our other 2 incredible kiddos, London and Lincoln, while hurting so bad inside. I look around at everyone else and wonder if anyone is going through something like we are. Dumb little things don't matter anymore. My family does. My faith does," she wrote.

Granger Smith took to social media and YouTube last week with his wife to tell fans how his family is holding up amid the unspeakable tragedy that happened on June 6.

"We've been on quite the journey these past few weeks. I've been dark on social media, but I still have a full understanding of the responsibility placed upon me as a public figure," Smith wrote. "I believe I'm obligated on certain levels to include you guys in my current journey, as I've been involved either personally or musically in yours."

Smith added that the loss of a son "makes life feel fragile," but "it can remind us never to take a moment with those we love for granted."

We've been on quite the journey these past few weeks. I've been dark on social media, but I still have a full understanding of the responsibility placed upon me as a public figure. I can choose to snuff that influence, or instead use my platform (in relevancy big or small) towards what I believe is right. I believe I'm obligated on certain levels to include you guys in my current journey, as I've been involved either personally or musically in yours. - The finality and mortality brought on by death makes life feel fragile. It can weaken, terrify and separate those close to it. But it can also awaken us. It can remind us never to take a moment with those we love for granted. - In my house, we have united stronger and closer than we've ever been. We've cried. We've smiled. I've held my family tight. I've found strength from God and used that in the face of adversity so that my wife and children can rely on me. I've guarded my heart and my mind during weak moments and graciously accepted all of the encouragement and empathy from so many. I have realized that I will not slave over a search for answers, but instead for meaning. I will focus and then cultivate the light from a dark place, the good from the bad, God's will from my own plans. I can rest assured knowing that River's assignment on earth was always intended for 1116 days and not only did he live it to the fullest, but he lived it loved by so many, including a mother, father, sister and brother who held nothing back and have no regrets on how much he felt that love. We should all be so blessed to be able to live like Riv. - Amber and I want you to hear it from us and not just read it, so we made this little video for you to watch. (Link in bio)Thank you for all the love, prayers and support. We feel it!

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on Jun 19, 2019 at 4:57pm PDT

Smith and Amber also made a video to try and connect with fans, explaining further what happened to River.

Amber spoke about the outpouring of love from his fans on social media and tried not to break down when telling them how much the support means to her and her family.

Smith later said the family will champion a cause but will also all go on tour to heal and be together.

"I'm going to bring them with me," he said of his family, adding that he won't be doing media or meet and greets, but just be out on the road looking for inspiration with his loved ones. "Music has always been healing [for me]. That's the place I've always turned to."