February 16, 2024
The rapper and country singer took to social media on Friday morning (Feb. 16) to announce the passing of his father. In a heartfelt post, he fondly remembered his father as a dedicated family man. The sad news came on Thursday (Feb. 15).
“My Dad, Bill Ritchie Sr, moved on to be with Jesus yesterday,” Kid Rock writes.
“He was an incredible father, grandfather, great grandfather, and so much more, none shy of being quite the character! Thank you for your condolences in advance. God Bless you and I love you Pop!”
The musician known as Kid Rock recently signed his post as “Bob Ritchie,” which is his legal name. The talented entertainer’s full name is Robert James Ritchie.
My Dad, Bill Ritchie Sr, moved on to be with Jesus yesterday. He was an incredible father, grandfather, great grandfather, and so much more, none shy of being quite the character! Thank you for your condolences in advance. God Bless you and I love you Pop!
— KidRock (@KidRock) February 16, 2024
-Bob Ritchie…
He included a YouTube video as well:
Born on January 17, 1971, in Romeo, Michigan, the musician’s upbringing was marked by the sprawling rural estate in Bruce Township, located approximately 40 miles north of Detroit. His father, the owner of a car dealership, fostered a nurturing environment for Kid Rock and his three siblings.
Kid Rock reminisced about his idyllic upbringing and how his father instilled a strong work ethic in him during an interview with the Independent in 2008..
“The home I grew up in … was a beautiful, very middle-class American colonial house,” he shared. “It was set over six acres of land and there was an apple orchard out the back. My dad got me selling the apples to our neighbors at an early age.”
Kid Rock cited his father’s influence for his interest in country music.
“My dad liked a lot of the outlaw country stuff — Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, all of the early Sun Records,” he told the DBusiness in 2009.