Former 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard mourns loss of his grandfather in heartbreaking post

Ruben Studdard, winner of the second season of “American Idol,” recently took to Instagram to share a heartwarming message for his grandfather, after the man’s passing, This comes only a few months after Ruben’s brother passed away too.

The R&B singer, who first jumped to fame on the reality singing competition, “American Idol,” earned the favor of the audience thanks to his easygoing personality and honey-like voice. He has been compared to Luther Vandross and has reached the top of the R&B charts on several occasions.

SHARING SAD NEWS

While Studdard often leaves positive messages to his followers on Instagram, the 40-year-old shared sad news on December 30, revealing that his paternal grandfather passed away. The man had celebrated his 100th birthday in March last year, and at the time, Ruben said:

"My granddaddy will always be my hero!!!"

Ruben posted a pic looking dapper alongside his grandpa, as both men wore elegant suits: Ruben a classic black one, and his grandfather a white tuxedo over a black shirt. He captioned the pic:

“There are so many things I could say about this man but I’ll just sum it up by saying thank you for being my living example of what a man should be. You taught my father and in turn, my father taught me and my brother[sic]. I will Be forever thankful to God for you and your example of Love. Granddaddy I’m gonna miss you!! Rest In Peace Granddaddy!!”

Fans took over the comment section to offer their condolences and prayers to Ruben and his family, hoping to make his grief a bit less bitter.

ANOTHER TRAGIC LOSS

Last June, Ruben suffered another significant loss when his older brother, Kevin Studdard, suddenly passed away. While the cause of death was not disclosed at the time, Ruben expressed his sadness with a post that read:

“thank God for giving me the Best Big Brother ever!!! He has always had my back and looked out for me. He always told me what I needed to hear even when I didn’t want to listen. I love you my kind sweet brother, and I will miss you every day. #RIH I Love you so much @studslife.”

As the year passed, Ruben kept struggling with Kevin’s death, often sharing pics with him and reminiscing about their good times together. Even on his birthday on September, Ruben turned the tables to make the day about his late brother.

He posted a pic posing next to Kevin in what seems like a nightclub, as both men looked stylish in dark jeans and black t-shirts with matching gold accessories.

“You always knew how to make my birthday special big bro. So on my birthday, I salute you for being the best big brother anyone could ever ask for. I love you and miss you @studslife,” Ruben captioned the pic.

Ruben recently made his Broadway debut alongside Clay Akin on “Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show,” a production that earned the men good critics from the New York Times and more.