Sunday, June 3, 2012

In Memory: Dierks Bentley's Dad Dies

As you know by now, Dierks Bentley's dad died Friday.  Leon Bentley was 88 years old, a WWII veteran and a huge influence on his son's life.  Dierks tweeted the news yesterday along with a very personal photo:

"my dad died yesterday. it was an honor to comfort him as he left us. thank you fans for the time and understanding."





Dierks is like family to us and this news saddens us deeply.  The DB Congress has been asking of ways to help honor Leon's memory.  The Bentley family is asking that all donation go to Hospice.  We are setting up an account to gather as one lump sum from DB Congress (details soon).  But if you prefer to send individually, send to:  Hopice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ  85014.

We are also sending flowers to the service on behalf of DB Congress.  If you would like to contribute, send to Ronna Clark, 754 Burlwood Street, Brandon, FL  33511.

Performances were cancelled for June 2 after the Washington Nationals game and the annual fan club party--Last Call Ball 8, scheduled for June 6.  Dierks is scheduled to resume performances on Saturday, June 9 in Detroit and CMA Fest June 10.


From dierks.com:

"Thanks to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers you've extended to Dierks and his family. With a heavy heart, we have to postpone Last Call Ball 8 on Wednesday. We plan to reschedule for you guys later this year. Tickets will be refunded, please stay tuned for more details. We will let you know as soon as we have a new date set. Keep checking back here at Dierks.com for more information. Thank you all for your unwavering support and understanding." 


Many DBC reps will still be in Nashville Wednesday and are still planning to meet, even without LCB.  We'll post details when we know.

Just know that we're thinking of you, Dierks, and praying for strength for you and your family. We hope you take as much time as you need with your family--we the fans understand and are here for you now and when you get back.  That's what families do.




15 comments:

  1. That is very well said!

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  2. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bentley family at this difficult time. It is heartwarming how the DBC is showing him so much love and support. God bless all of you.

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  3. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bentley family as well. So very sorry for the loss of your father Dierks. Take all the time you need, we understand you need to be with your family at a time like this. God bless you.

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  4. Love you Dierks, your father must have been an incredible man to have raised such a wonderful son!! Your Congress always has you in our hearts xxo

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  5. Losing a parent and being there in the end as they take their last breath, is something you will never forget. In a strange way it is comforting to be there as they leave this world just as they were first in your world. I don't know what else to say except my thoughts and prayers are with Dierks and his family at this time. 88 years, God Bless him and I hope that he didn't suffer. We must all be thankful for the time he gave to our country and the truth is we just don't make them like that anymore! May God keep his soul and may he watch over Dierks and the rest of his family until they meet again.

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  6. Thoughts, prayers and God's blessings going out to Dierks and his family during this time.

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  7. I am so glad Dierks got to be there when his Dad was lifted into the heavens. Now he has another angel watching over him. Prayers to Dierks and the entire Bentley family. Dawn Bancroft

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  8. Frances Woodward, CASun Jun 03, 08:36:00 PM

    My deepest condolences to you Dierks; as well as, to your dearest Mother, family/friends. May God bless and forever hold your dear Dad close; and, may God bless and watch over you, your Mother, family/friends. Your picture of you holding your Dad's hand,... in his last moments, is very special and is now a cherished memory. Now......when you look at the bright twinkling stars on a clear but dark night, don't think of them as stars......think of them as porch lights welcoming your dear Dad home. May your dearest Dad forever rest in paradise until you meet again.

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  9. Great Job Again. I will be sending money for flowers as well as money for a contribution for Hospice. I was disappointed to hear that LCB was postponed but I fully understand why it was. I lost my dad 2 years ago and I know the pain. Prayers for Dierks, his mother, his brother and the rest of the family.

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  10. My heart goes out to the Bentley family during this time, and Renee is correct, you can tell alot about someone's parents by the type of person they raise, and I think the world of Dierks's parents because they certainly have a son to be proud of!

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  11. Vicky James Western AustraliaMon Jun 04, 12:39:00 AM

    RIP Mr Bentley

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  12. I will be happy to donate to the Hospice and flowers both. I think they are both wonderful ideas. Dierks you know my heart is with you and your family. God Bless You All and comfort you, Becky

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  13. sending donation for flowers today. will send one for hospice when info is posted. thank you, Ronna for handling this

    Harriett

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  14. Losing a parent is not easy, especially when you are close to them. I found that out last year when my mother passed. Dierks you and your family are in my prayers and may heaven's angels wrap their wings around your father as they welcome him home. He will always be with you and will now become your angel. God bless!

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  15. Just an idea but I was thinking that perhaps those of us who were planning on attending LCB could request that the money we paid for our tickets instead of being refunded be donated to Hospice instead in memory of Dierks's dad to show our support of Dierks & his family... Just thought it would be a neat gesture to make to let him know how much we care!!!

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