Country Music Singer Quits Business to 'Pursue Ministry' in Wake of Family Tragedy

Country star Granger Smith is starting a new chapter in his career.

Country music's Granger Smith is looking to make a life-changing shift with his career.

The "Backroad Song" singer made a shocking announcement this week while letting his fans know that he is planning to depart the country music scene.

In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram on Tuesday, Apr. 11, Smith revealed that his upcoming "Like A River" tour will be his last, as he plans to do something completely different with his life going forward. Instead, he is embarking on a new vocation and attending seminary. 

"I have felt a strong desire to pursue ministry," the 43-year-old musician said in the emotional Instagram video. "And this doesn't mean I'm going to start a church or a crusade or a revival. This means that me and my family are going to serve our local church."

The news comes nearly four years after the devastating loss of Smith's 3-year-old son River, who drowned in an accident at the family's Texas home in June 2019.

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Noting in his caption that the announcement was "so difficult" to post, Smith insisted, "I am so encouraged and hopeful and excited and joyful about the next chapter, but to a large extent, I have no idea what it will look like."

He continued, "I just want to glorify God the best way that I can. I want to learn and grow and serve my local church and allow my pastors to equip and affirm those next steps. Lord willing, I want to be used to help people find their purpose."

Smith also revealed he has been pursuing a degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and that he's currently working on a book titled "Like a River" which will hit bookshelves Aug. 1.

Next: Musician and Son Found Dead Weeks After Disappearance