Luke Bryan Says, 'You Have To Really Hold True That It Was God's Plan' On Raising Late Sister's Kids

Jul 17, 2019 by apost team

Luke Bryan is one of the most successful country artists. In addition to writing hit songs for people like Travis Tritt, he's recorded nine albums of his own. From these, 14 songs have landed at number one on the charts. You've most likely also seen him as a host of "American Idol" alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

In public, he always seems upbeat, making frequent jokes and pulling pranks. Behind his jovial nature lies a rough beginning filled with hard work and personal tragedies. He grew up working on his family's Georgia peanut farm. His innate talent gave him the opportunity to pursue his music dreams in Nashville. Before he could leave Georgia, something devastating happened.

His beloved older brother, Chris, was killed in a car crash. Reeling, Chris decided to stay closer to home. He put off his Nashville dreams and went to a nearby college instead.

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While at Georgia Southern University, he met and fell in love with a woman named Caroline. She'd go on to become his wife. Though Luke was determined to stick close to his family, his father knew that life had something else in store. He told Luke that he needed to move to Nashville and pursue the career in music that he'd been dreaming of.

It didn't take long for Luke to find success. Other artists snatched up his catchy tunes. Finally, Luke got the chance to record his own album and to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Luke's sister, Kelly, was so happy for him. The proud big sister arranged for more than 100 people from their hometown to watch the performance. It seemed as if things had turned around in Luke's life, but then tragedy struck again. At just 39 years old, Kelly passed away. Doctors tried to figure out what happened but couldn't—her death remains a mystery. Even more tragically, Kelly left behind three children. Just seven years later, Kelly's husband passed away as well.

The children were in their teens and early twenties when their father passed. Luke and Caroline stepped in immediately to help. Despite all the tragedy in his life, Luke has persevered.

"You've got to lean on your faith and understand that you have to really hold true that it was God's plan," he told TODAY.

Could you stay upbeat and hopeful despite so many tragedies? What would you have done if you were in Luke's shoes?