Dierks Bentley
's father Leon Bentley died Friday (June 1) in Phoenix at age 88. The
singer-songwriter confirmed the death in a Twitter message he sent Saturday morning, noting, "It was an honor to comfort him
as he left us. Thank you, fans, for the time and understanding." A private memorial service is being scheduled. Because of
his father's illness, Bentley had already canceled a Saturday night performance in Washington, D.C., following the Washington
Nationals' baseball game. Following his father's death, he also canceled Wednesday's fan club party in Nashville during the
CMA Music Festival. A spokesperson told
CMT.com Saturday afternoon that Bentley currently plans to resume his performance
schedule with a June 9 appearance at the WYCD Downtown Hoedown in Detroit and his June 10 set during the CMA Music Festival's
nightly concert at LP Field in Nashville.
