James Otto’s Grandfather Passes Away

James Otto is mourning the loss of one of his closest family members. The "Just Got Started Lovin' You" singer recently revealed on Facebook that his beloved grandfather, Pete Lee, has passed away.

"Today is a bit of a tough day," Otto wrote on Sept. 21.  "It sounds like my grandpa Pete may pass away today. I'm praying for a painless and peaceful passing for him. He seems ready to go. I think he'll be happier on the other side with my grandma."

One day later (Sept. 22), Otto posted a picture of himself hugging his grandfather, along with the words "RIP Pete Lee, 1929-2015."

And while the singer is dealing with his own loss, he took a moment on Sunday (Sept. 27) to express his condolences to Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery, after news broke that Montgomery's 19-year-old son, Hunter, had died.

"Saying prayers for my friend Eddie Montgomery, [whose] 19-year-old son passed away," Otto shares. "I can't imagine anything worse."

Otto is currently hard at work on a new album, which will be his first for Blaster Records. He signed with the label this past June.

“I’m so excited about this new partnership with Blaster,” Otto says. “I’d taken some time off to reflect on my life and my career, and it gave me some great perspective and inspiration. I know a bunch of those guys, and I knew it was the right fit for me."

The debut single from the record, "Somewhere Tonight," is now available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.

The Boot extends our condolences to Otto and his family.

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