Lauren Alaina Shares Bittersweet Moment as Daughter Beni Doll Visits Late Grandfather’s Gravesite On His Birthday

Lauren Alaina is honoring her late father, J.J. Suddeth on what would have been his birthday by sharing a bittersweet moment with her daughter, Beni Doll.

In a new Instagram post, the country singer shared photos and a video of her young daughter visiting her grandfather’s gravesite. Sitting on the grass in an adorable pink onesie embroidered with her name, Beni waved and blew kisses to the grandfather that she never had the chance to meet.

Alongside the emotional clips and images, Alaina shared a sweet message dedicated to her dad. She revealed that she and Beni were singing to him, and that the 1-year-old even said “Pawpaw” during their visit.

She wrote, “Happy Birthday, Daddy. I hope you heard us singing for you. I hope you heard Beni say Pawpaw. I miss you so much. I love you.”

The post was filled with loving and supporting messages from friends and followers, many of which made sure to wish her dad a very happy birthday.

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J.J. Suddeth unexpectedly died on July 23, 2024, at the age of 52. At the time, Alaina announced her father’s passing in an emotional statement on Instagram, writing, “We lost my daddy last night, and I really have no words yet.” The cause of his death has not been publicly revealed.

The “All My Exes” singer found out she was pregnant just weeks after the sudden and unexpected loss. She and her husband Cam Arnold then welcomed their beautiful baby girl on June 11, 2025. Even though Beni will never have the chance to meet her grandfather, it’s clear that Alaina is ensuring her little girl will know all about the legacy he left behind as they continue to celebrate in his memory.

Alaina has continued to speak openly about her father’s battle with sobriety and the impact it had on their family. Back in October of 2025 the American Idol alum got emotional with fans as she reflected on what would have been her father’s 13th year of sobriety.

“Today would’ve been his 13th year of sobriety if he had made it. He passed away a little over a year ago, but he didn’t make it to his 12th year either, and I’m not even sure about his 11th. He relapsed, and It’s a major contributing factor to why he’s no longer here with us,” she explained a the time.

Alaina used the vulnerable moment to encourage anyone struggling with addiction to seek help and lean on the people who love them.

“I just wanted to say that if you’re struggling, there are so many people who love you, and for you to love yourself and to get the help that you need and surround yourself with people who love you.”

The pair had a complicated relationship over the years, but they appeared to grow especially close in the years leading up to his death. He also became a source of inspiration for Alaina’s songwriting on several occasions.

In 2017, Alaina released “Doin’ Fine,” a deeply personal song that addressed her parents’ divorce and her father’s struggles with sobriety. Then in June 2021, the father-daughter duo shared the stage at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Alaina’s brother, Tyler, to perform Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All.” The performance also helped celebrate Tyler’s 28th birthday.

While Suddeth’s life was filled with both joyful memories and difficult moments, Lauren Alaina continues to honor the impact he had on her life and keep his memory alive.