Singer Walker Hayes cancels his CMT performance after newborn daughter dies hours before the award show
Walker Hayes was set to take the stage and make his debut performance at the CMT awards that took place on June 6. However, one of his biggest nights turned out to be a nightmare as the singer revealed that he and his wife, Lancey have lost their precious newborn daughter, Oakleigh. Walker took to Instagram to share the devastating news with his fans.
“It is with great sadness that Laney and I share with you the news that our sweet Oakleigh Klover Hayes was born this morning at the hospital and now is safely in heaven,” he wrote in the statement. “Thank you for honoring our privacy as we grieve.” He further stated that all his performances have been canceled so he can be with his wife. The couple is also proud parents of three boys and three girls.
Walker had been vocal about how much he loves his kids and how they have always been part of his success and celebration. “I got news, guys … No. 7 is on the way,” he told People at that time. “We do a lot celebrating. What can I say?” Even though one might think that having six kids is a lot, Walker believes he just can't have enough of them. “But oh my goodness,” he said, “they are my favorite things about life. I love each and every one of these kids and I can’t wait for another one. They’re all so beautiful and incredible, and watching them grow is the best thing I get to do on earth.”
Walker had admitted that he was eager to welcome baby number seven and knew that this time things would be different as he spoke about vacation plans for his family. “I’ve got to confess there’s something different I can sense already about the holidays,” he told the magazine.
“I’ve always felt very insecure being around in-laws, even my siblings – like the guy who made a bad decision, or the guy who would never just fess up that I’m not good enough to make it or I don’t have what it takes. I just feel different going home right now, you know. … It feels good to have kinda done what I came here to do. That’s a really, really nice feeling in my heart," he added.
At the same time, prior to the award show, Walker had admitted he was excited and nervous about making his debut at the CMT awards stage. “I’m going to be nervous as crap, but the house band is amazing. I feel comfortable with them," he told CMT.com. "The fans are going to be amazing I’m sure. It’s going to be neat to look some peers in the eye and have that moment where I’m like, ‘Hey, this is happening, and we always said it would.’ And it is. I’m sure it’s going to be a blur and take me a minute to digest what really happened.”