By Hassan Sanusi
A source told People Magazine: ‘Bryan’s brother-in-law Ben Lee Cheshire died Saturday at age 46 and he has decided to stay in Georgia to be with family instead of performing at the show honouring the top country artists of 2014.’
Luke Bryan missed the event following the tragic death of his brother-in-law at the weekend but was in the thoughts of fellow honourees, Jason Aldean and Keith Urban.
Jason said: ‘One of my buddies, Luke Bryan, is not here tonight, dealing with some family stuff in Georgia. Just want to say I’m thinking’ about you, you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hurry back to the country music world.’
And picking up his trophy, Keith said: ‘I want to send my love and prayers out to Luke and all your family tonight too, brother. You’re right here tonight, brother.’
In Luke’s absence, Lady Antebellum stepped in to sing ‘Drink a Beer’ with the track’s co-writer Chris Stapleton and their friend was delighted by their fitting tribute.
Luke tweeted: ‘That was amazing. Truly. Thank you Charles, Dave, Hillary and Chris! Beautiful!!! Thank you fans for your love.(sic’)
Cheshire was the widower of Bryan’s only sister, Kelly, who died in 2007 when she was 39 years old.
Three children, Jordan, Chris and Til, who are now teenagers, survive the two.
