Country star and former “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery is coming to grips with a doubly difficult loss, sharing with fans on July 10, 2025, that both of his grandmas had died the previous day.
“My heart is absolutely broken,” McCreery captioned a photo from his 2018 wedding to wife Gabi Dugal, flanked by each of his grandmothers. “Yesterday, both my Grandma Janet and my Grandma Paquita passed away. I think I am still in a bit of shock as I type this, but I’m choosing to remember the great memories we all made with both of them.”
Fans and famous friends flooded McCreery’s late-night post with condolences and sympathy, and his mom confirmed that her mother and mother-in-law had passed hours apart, noting that losing them both so quickly was “hard to fathom.”
Scotty McCreery Says His Grandmas ‘Truly Taught Me What Love is All About’
McCreery’s paternal Grandma Paquita was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she met her future husband, McCreery’s grandpa, when he was stationed there in the U.S. Air Force, according to The Boot. They married and raised their family in North Carolina, which is where their only grandson grew up, too, and later won “American Idol” in 2011.
McCreery recalled in his July 10 post some of the memories he cherished of his grandmothers, writing, “There really are too many to count. From being on the farm in Elizabeth City or visiting the Outer Banks with Grandma Janet.. And then the incredible memories we made at the backyard pool in Pinehurst, all the way to visiting Puerto Rico with Grandma Paquita.”
“Both of them truly taught me what love is all about,” the country star wrote. “I will miss them dearly. If yall could keep my family in your prayers I’d appreciate it.”
McCreery’s mom Judy shared a Facebook post on July 10 confirming her mother and mother-in-law’s deaths, writing, “Here is a post I hoped I wouldn’t be making for several years. My precious mom, age 85, passed away yesterday at WakeMed, shortly after 1pm. She had been battling norovirus & the flu, which led to dehydration and pneumonia. My heart is broken. I have to accept it was her time.”
She then continued, “This is hard to fathom, but we also lost Mike’s mom, Paquita, yesterday, a few hours later at 4pm. She was 93 and had been in declining health. We will celebrate my mom’s life in her hometown next Monday. Paquita’s services are still pending. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Fans & ‘American Idol’ Friends Rally Around Scotty McCreery as His Family Mourns
Fans and friends flooded McCreery’s post with supportive messages, including several of his fellow “American Idol” contestants from season 10 in 2011.
Country star Lauren Alaina, with whom he became close friends on “American Idol” and was his runner-up, left a comment that hundreds of fans liked, which said, “Sending so much love and prayer your way.”
Hailey Reinhart, another success story who emerged from season 10, wrote, “Sending love to you & your families, Scotty 💓”
Season 10 finalist James Durbin chimed in, “All of my love to you and your family, Scotty. That’s heartbreaking”
Fans were stunned by McCreery’s double loss, including one who wrote, “I’m heartbroken for you and your families…. I have no words for losing both grandmothers in one day. Sending lots of prayers and hugs. 🙏🏻”
Another wrote, “Oh my gosh so sorry losing both Grandma’s on the same day is just unbelievable. 🙏🙏”
McCreery, who’s been on tour in Great Britain, was scheduled to perform in Fort Loramie, Ohio, on July 10 and Manchester, Iowa, on July 11. One who attended his July 10 concert wrote on his Instagram post, “Your concert was amazing tonight and a good memorial to your grandmas! 💕💕”
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Fans Support ‘Idol’ Star in ‘Shock’ Over Losing Both Grandmas on the Same Day