![Big & Rich Singer Big Kenny Loses His Father](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2017/02/big-kenny-father-dies.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Big & Rich Singer Big Kenny Loses His Father
Kenny Alphin has lost his father. The Big & Rich singer turned to social media to tell fans that his father, William M. "Bill" Alphin, has passed away at the age of 86.
Alphin, commonly known as "Big Kenny," broke the sad news via a Facebook post on Thursday (Feb. 2), writing a long, heartfelt tribute to his father accompanied by a photo of him flashing a bright grin.
"With the biggest smile you’ve ever seen, and an always joyful hello with the kind of bear hug embrace that left no doubt of the love he felt for all around him, you could depend on 'Bill' Alphin to light up a room," Alphin writes poignantly. He also included the official obituary and details on visitation, and asked for donations to be sent in Bill's name to the VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation in Virginia in lieu of flowers.
See Country Stars Who've Suffered Unthinkable Tragedies
Kenny's good friend and Big & Rich partner, John Rich, also shared a loving post in support of his friend and honoring his dad. "I knew his father well, and he was a truly great, and inspiring man," Rich says. "Prayers for Kenny and his family as they mourn the loss of Mr. Alphin."
The duo recently took the stage at an inauguration event for President Donald Trump in January of 2017, and are currently performing at several locations across the country throughout the spring and summer. Their upcoming show in Battle Creek, Mich., has been postponed due to the passing of Alphin's father.
The "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" singers are set to debut a new album in 2017 and are partnering with Nashville-based independent distributor and marketing company Thirty Tigers to help release the project.
More From Kicks 105
![Big & Rich Next to Challenge George Strait [AUDIO/POLL]](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2012/11/big-and-rich.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hank Jr and Big & Rich Featured on Today’s Country Clash [AUDIO/POLL]](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2012/05/big-and-rich.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Willie Nelson 79 Today! This Day In Country Music – April 30th (Video)](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2012/04/Willie-Nelson.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Johnny Cash Goes To Prison This Day In Country Music – January 13th (Video)](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2012/01/Johnny-Cash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Carrie Underwood, Big & Rich And Jack Ingram Released This Day In Country Music – November 15th](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2011/11/111917127.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Big & Rich Debut On The Opry And A Genius Is Born This Day In Country Music – September 23rd](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2011/09/115509117.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Famous Aussie Country Music Star Was Born This Day In Country Music History – June 3rd](http://townsquare.media/site/151/files/2011/06/114929197.jpg?w=980&q=75)