In his first statement since the death of his wife, Mary Jane, Hank Williams Jr. thanks fans and friends for their prayers.

In his grief, on March 29, the country star and son of country legend Hank Williams Sr. expressed his appreciation for the public’s support. He also remarked that a scheduled show for April 1 would go on as planned.

“Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers during this time,” he says via a message on Instagram and other social media, adding that his family had encouraged him to perform in concert. "Not only is it healing, but I do not want to disappoint my fans who have purchased tickets."

According to social media, Williams' musician son, Sam Williams, joined his dad onstage in Mississippi. The third generation country singer posted a few snaps from the concert, quoting lyrics from his dad’s song, "Weather Man," in the caption.

I’ve had too many highs and too many lows,” he writes, tagging Hank Williams Jr.

The younger Williams also spoke out about the death of his mother, sharing an emotional tribute on social media featuring family photos, old and new.

“I will always be the son of Mary Jane,” Sam writes. “RIP MAMA. I love you forever. Miss Spruce Creek High School, Miss Hawaiian Tropic, Miss Mary Jane Williams, my mama forever my everything."

Mary Jane Williams died on March 22 at the age of 58. TMZ reported that her passing occurred from a complication, possibly a blood clot, following a medical procedure. A Jupiter, Fla., police spokesperson told that outlet that they received a call from the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa at 5PM, after which Mary Jane was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Hank Williams Jr. and Mary Jane met in 1985 at a concert he was performing. They married in 1990 and went on to have two children, Kate Williams-Dunning and Sam Williams. Their eldest child, Kate, tragically died in a car accident in 2020, at the age of 27.

Williams has a handful of tour dates on the schedule this summer, running from May 27 in Billings, Mont., through August 12 in Beaver Dam, Ky.

Country Stars Who Suffered Unthinkable Tragedy

More From Big Cat - WBKT-FM