Country singer/songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member Scotty McCreery is going through a heartbreaking loss, as he revealed that both his grandmothers — Janet and Paquita — died just hours apart on Wednesday.
In a statement on Instagram, McCreery wrote, “My heart is absolutely broken. 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. There really are too many to count.”
McCreery also noted memories of spending time with his grandmother Janet visiting the Outer Banks. He also recalled visiting his grandmother Paquita in Puerto Rico, and recalled making memories with his grandmothers at a backyard pool in Pinehurst, North Carolina, or on a farm in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
“Both of them truly taught me what love is all about. I will miss them dearly. If y’all could keep my family in your prayers I’d appreciate it,” McCreery added in the post.
McCreery’s mother Judy also made a public post on her Facebook page, writing, “My precious mom, age 85, passed away yesterday at WakeMed, shortly after 1 p.m. 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. This is hard to fathom, but we also lost [her husband] Mike’s mom, Paquita, yesterday, a few hours later at 4 p.m. She was 93 and had been in declining health,” adding, “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Paquita joined McCreery and other family members on an episode of the game show Celebrity Family Feud in 2018 and charmed viewers with her humor.
McCreery, who has placed five chart-topping songs on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, released his current album Rise & Fall in 2024, and just launched the SiriusXM show Prime Country With Scotty McCreery this month, on SiriusXM’s Prime Country channel.