Luke Bryan cancels CMA appearance after another family tragedy: 'Your faith has to get you through'

Luke Bryan Twitter

Country music star Luke Bryan cancelled his planned CMA Artists of the Year performance on Tuesday following the death of his brother-in-law, Ben Lee Cheshire, on Saturday.

Bryan was to be honoured as a CMA Entertainer of the Year, but chose to remain with his family in Georgia.

Cheshire was 46 years old, and the widower of Bryan's late sister, Kelly. The 39-year-old passed away suddenly in 2007.

The family suffered another loss 11 years earlier when Bryan's brother, Chris, died in a car accident. He was 26 years old.

Bryan discussed the impact of losing his siblings in interviews published last year.

"Losing my brother changed me tremendously and losing Kelly, even more," he told PEOPLE Country. "I literally do not take one second for granted.

"I'm kind of hyperventilating talking about it...You never truly move beyond it," the singer told "20/20."

"My only older siblings...gone from the world, in a flash in two, two different, crazy, tragic manners, that...we'll never know, and never understand. You can lean on friends and family through it ...and you can get back life."

Bryan also relied on his faith to cope with the losses.

"Your faith has to get you through all that," he admitted. "That's not saying you don't question it. But you just have to revert back to your faith in God's plan, that you'll be together again and that's what you have to go on."

Cheshire is survived by three teenage children: Chris, Jordan, and Til. Bryan co-officiated the funeral service, which was held on Wednesday.

The CMA Award-winner also cancelled his appearance at the farewell concert for radio legend Coyote Calhoun, and other events scheduled this week.

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".