Billy Strings paid tribute to his mother during a concert in Kentucky, just hours after learning of her passing.

Early in his sold-out show at Lexington’s Rupp Arena on Friday (June 20), the 32-year-old bluegrass star told the audience that his mother, Debra Apostal, had died in her sleep following his hometown performance at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival in Lansing, Michigan, the day before.

“After our set we drove through the night and I finally fell asleep when we got parked here in Lexington, probably about 5:40 this morning or so,” Strings told the audience, holding only a microphone. “I might have got three hours of sleep and I was in a deep sleep. My wife woke me up this morning and told me that my beautiful mother, Debra Apostal, passed away in her sleep.”

Strings, visibly fighting back emotion, recalled wandering through Lexington in the early morning hours, seeking solace.

“I just put my shoes on and started walking,” he said. “I walked until I saw this old country church and it was like a beacon, and I went there and knocked on the door and this kind lady let me in and she stayed with me and prayed with me for a while, and eventually gave me a ride back to where I was staying.”

Despite the devastating news, Strings made the decision to move forward with the show, saying it’s what his mother would have wanted.

“It was my decision to carry on with tonight’s show because that’s what my mom would have wanted me to do,” he said, as the crowd responded with supportive cheers. “She really loved this group of people. She loved you all so much and for the last couple of years were some of her happiest because of a lot of you folks right here. You all became some of our best friends, and I really want to thank you for that. The reason I decided not to go home and be with my family right now is because I already am.”

With his head bowed, Strings promised the crowd he’d do his best to get through the performance. He then asked, “So please, instead of a moment of silence, can you please make as much noise right now for my mom?”

After the emotional speech, Strings welcomed his band to the stage and opened the set with a powerful rendition of “I’ve Just Seen the Rock of Ages.” He went on to deliver a two-and-a-half-hour performance featuring a mix of originals and covers, including songs by The Beatles and Pearl Jam.

Just a day earlier, Strings had performed alongside his father, fellow bluegrass musician Terry Barber, at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival. Apostal did not attend that show and passed away in the early morning hours of June 20, according to the Lansing State Journal.

Strings is scheduled to continue his tour with concerts in Australia and New Zealand in July, followed by a run of U.S. dates beginning in August.