John Rich’s Beloved Grandmother ‘Granny Rich’ Dies

John Rich is mourning the loss of his grandmother, Cleda Ann “Granny” Rich. She was 88 years old.

The singer/songwriter and 1/2 of duo Big & Rich shared the devastating news with fans via Twitter on Tuesday (July 28).

“I lost a giant of a lady in my life today,” he wrote. “Granny Rich went to be with Jesus after battling hard for a month from a stroke. She was a Mother to me, and I’ll strive to live up to her example. She was strong, funny, caring and an unapologetic American to the end.”

I lost a giant of a lady in my life today. Granny Rich went to be with Jesus after battling hard for a month from a stroke. She was a Mother to me, and I'll strive to live up to her example. She was strong, funny, caring and an unapologetic American to the end. #RIPGrannyRich pic.twitter.com/JeiFN1kqFp

— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) July 28, 2020

Granny Rich was loved by many and was the inspiration behind Rich’s whiskey line, Granny Rich Reserve. According to Rich, she ran an alterations business in Ashland City, Tenn. up until she was sidelined by a stroke.

“Granny Rich didn’t let Covid get her down…She still ran her business, carried on with her work and snuck a cocktail in every now and then…And swore she never colored her hair,” he shared.

Cleda Ann Rich was born on February 14, 1932 in Pampa, Texas. Though she may be gone, her legacy will live on.

“She is an inspiration to me and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her and will be sorely missed,” John Rich shared in a press release. “She gave her life to Jesus many decades ago, so I have peace in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus. I’m sure there’s a line of angels waiting on her to sew some golden thread into their heavenly apparel! Rest in peace, Granny. You will always be ‘the Queen of the working class.’ Job well done.”

Funeral arrangements for Cleda Ann Rich have yet to be announced.