According to Blake Shelton’s official site, his father, Dick, has passed away. The statement said the elder Shelton died surrounded by family in his home state of Oklahoma, after a long bout of illness, including a recent hospitalization for pneumonia.
“I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and thank you for all your prayers. Your support means the world to me. I love you guys,” said Shelton, who is currently number nine on CMT’s list of favorite performers and whose video for his current single, “God Gave Me You” is on heavy rotation on the country music station.
Shelton also stars as one of the coaches on the NBC hit series “The Voice” where he will have his wife, country star Miranda Lambert, as one of his musical advisers this season. The couple will also duet before the Super Bowl next month, singing “America the Beautiful” before the start of the sporting event.
Shelton’s “Lit & Amplified Tour 2012″ shows for this week will be re-scheduled for March, including dates in Montana, North and South Dakota. His tour will resume in Columbus, Georgia on January 26.
Rescheduled dates include: Rapid City, SD (1/19), Bismarck, ND (1/20), Billings, MT (1/21) and Bozeman, MT (1/22). The rescheduled dates are listed below. Tickets for the above-mentioned January dates will be honored at the rescheduled dates in March. Refund requests will be honored at the original point of purchase. For up-to-date tour information, visit www.BlakeShelton.com.