In a letter on his official website, posted early Friday morning (June 2), Chris Stapleton explained the reason for his postponed June 2017 tour dates: a banged-up right hand. The country star broke a bone and detached a tendon in his right index finger and will need physical therapy before he can play guitar again.

"Right now, I can’t possibly give you guys the show you deserve. I always want to give you my very best," Stapleton writes. "There is little in this world that I enjoy more than getting to make music with all of you night after night. Thank you for the privilege. Your support and understanding through all of this lets me know now, more than ever, I have the best fans in the world."

On Wednesday (May 31), Stapleton announced that he was postponing a string of tour dates from June 1 through June 17, including a performance at the 2017 CMA Music Festival. No explanation for the postponements was given at that time.

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"I want to thank you for all of the positive thoughts and kind words you have shared over the last few days," Stapleton's letter reads. "So many of you have been inconvenienced and I’m grateful for your patience and graciousness."

The original postponement announcement explained that the affected dates are being rescheduled. Fans who were planning to attend the shows should “[h]old on to [their] tickets for now, and stay tuned for updates.”

This is not the first time that Stapleton has needed to postpone a show for a health reason: In late April of 2016, he was forced to postpone a concert in Santa Barbara, Calif., after losing his voice.

Stapleton began his All-American Road Show in early March; the Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Brent Cobb, Anderson East and Margo Price are all acting as special guests on the tour. The trek is in support of his recently released From A Room, Volume 1 album.

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