Heartbreaking news to report as Billy Strings announced the unfortunate passing of his mother, Debra Apostol, before the start of his sold-out gig June 20 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Before bringing out the band at the start of the show, the 32-year-old bluegrass sensation took the stage to announce her passing.

“After our set we drove through the night and I finally fell asleep when we got parked here in Lexington, probably about 5:40 this morning or so,” Strings told the audience, despite not being able to look at them. “I might have got three hours of sleep and I was in a deep sleep. My wife woke me up this morning and told me that my beautiful mother, Debra Apostol, passed away in her sleep.”

Wrought with grief, Strings said he wandered the streets of Lexington until he stumbled upon a place of solace:

“I just put my shoes on and started walking. I walked until I saw this old country church and it was like a beacon, and I went there and knocked on the door and this kind lady let me in and she stayed with me and prayed with me for a while, and eventually gave me a ride back to where I was staying.”

Visibly fighting back emotion, Strings explained his decision to carry on with the night's performance, saying his mother loved the community surrounding his live shows.

“It was my decision to carry on with tonight’s show because that’s what my mom would have wanted me to do ... She really loved this group of people. She loved you all so much and for the last couple of years were some of her happiest because of a lot of you folks right here. You all became some of our best friends, and I really want to thank you for that. The reason I decided not to go home and be with my family right now is because I already am.”

Strings said he spent most of the day in "a daze" and asked the sold-out crowd to pay their respects to his mother.

“Also, if you’re just casually coming to tonight’s show and you’re like ‘what the fuck is going on right now,’ I’m sorry, but we’re a family here,” he concluded. “If you’re going through some shit, I’m going through it too and tonight I need you. So, instead of a moment of silence, can you please make as much noise right now for my mom?”

Just one day prior, Strings performed alongside his father, Terry Barber, at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival in Lansing, Michigan. Apostol did not attend and passed away during the early morning hours June 20, according to the Lansing State Journal.

Strings is scheduled to continue his tour with performances scheduled in Australia and New Zealand beginning next month, followed by a run of U.S. dates starting in August.