Craig Morgan Opens Up About Coping with the Loss of His Son Jerry: A Family’s Journey of Grief

Craig Morgan and his son Jerry Greer.
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Craig Morgan/Facebook

Key Points

• Craig Morgan publicly addressed the loss of his 19-year-old son Jerry in 2016.
• The singer indicated that his family has accepted the grief as a lifelong aspect of their lives.
• Morgan expressed that he no longer seeks justification for the tragedy, stating, “He’s gone, and that’s it.”

Country singer Craig Morgan has made valiant efforts to cope with the loss of his son Jerry, who died nearly seven years ago. In a recent appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast hosted by Bunnie Xo, Morgan, now 61, reflected on the tragic events leading up to Jerry’s death in 2016 and his journey towards acceptance.

Morgan stated that many people search for reasons behind such tragedies. “A lot of people seek out the reason why God let that happen,” he said. However, Morgan emphasized that he has stopped trying to find justification, noting, “All you’re doing is looking for justification. And for me, there is no justification. He’s gone, and that’s it.”

He shared a poignant quote from his youngest child, who summarized their family’s experience: “We just have to live with the suck for the rest of our lives.”

Craig Morgan at a gala in Washington, D.C. in October 2016.

Paul Morigi/Getty

While speaking about his faith, Morgan admitted, “We miss him. But my faith in God will not waver.” He added that questioning one’s faith is a natural response to loss. “Sometimes it just takes really s—ty things,” he said, mentioning that moments of doubt can ultimately strengthen one’s faith.

Jerry Greer, the second oldest of Morgan’s four children with his wife, Karen, tragically lost his life in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake in July 2016. In the immediate aftermath, Morgan penned the song “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost,” which he initially did not plan to release. “I know that God wanted people to hear that,” he explained.

In memory of Jerry, the family established the Jerry Greer Memorial Scholarship to assist future athletes at Dickson County High School, where he was a student. In a previous interview, Morgan shared how he and Karen laid Jerry to rest on their property, close to their family chapel, which features a tribute to Jerry’s favorite number, 13.

Reflecting on their family gatherings, Morgan said, “We all laugh and cry every Christmas, every holiday, every time we’re together.” He noted that his wife ensures Jerry remains an integral part of their conversations, illustrating that even in loss, cherished memories endure. “Jerry’s not here, but he is not gone. He lives in our hearts and heads and always will.”