Post Malone has just shared one of the most gut-wrenching messages of his career. Late last night the 30-year-old artist posted a raw, emotional tribute announcing the death of his father, Rich Post, the man who introduced him to music and remained one of his biggest quiet supporters throughout his rise to global stardom.
Here is Post Malone’s full statement, posted to Instagram and X:
“Last night I lost my dad. My hero. The guy who put a guitar in my hands when I was a kid, who drove me to every open mic and battle when I was too young to drive, who sat in the back of every dive bar show clapping louder than anyone even when I sucked. He never once told me to get a real job. He just said ‘keep going, Austin. You’ve got something special.’
He’s been sick for a while. We knew it was coming. But last night it still felt like the world stopped. I’m sitting here holding the phone he used to text me dumb memes and voice notes of him singing old country songs off-key. I don’t know how to do this without him.
He never wanted the spotlight. Never asked for credit. But every tattoo, every melody, every time I stepped on stage scared shitless—he was the reason I didn’t run. He taught me how to be kind, how to laugh when everything hurts, how to keep showing up.
I love you, Dad. Thank you for every second. I’m gonna keep making music that makes you proud. I promise I’ll take care of Mom. I promise I’ll keep going. Rest easy, old man. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Forever your son, Austin”
The post included a single photo: a young Austin (around 10 years old) sitting on a couch next to his dad, both holding acoustic guitars, grinning ear to ear. Within minutes it became one of the most shared and commented-on posts in music this year, already passing 7 million likes and countless stories from fans opening up about their own fathers and losses.
Fellow artists flooded the comments with love: Travis Scott, SZA, Taylor Swift, Jelly Roll, 21 Savage, Morgan Wallen, and dozens more. Even longtime collaborator Ozzy Osbourne wrote: “Thinking of you and your family, my friend. He raised a hell of a man.”
Post’s team confirmed that all scheduled appearances, interviews, and promotional events for the next several weeks are postponed. His ongoing 2026 tour dates are still listed as planned for now, but sources close to the artist say he will reassess after spending time with family and grieving privately.
Post Malone has always worn his heart on his sleeve—whether through tattoos, lyrics, or late-night live streams—but this loss has hit especially deep. Fans are now revisiting songs like “I Fall Apart,” “Stay,” “Circles,” and “Better Now” with new ears, hearing the undercurrent of love, fear of loss, and gratitude that was always there.
The internet has responded with an overwhelming wave of support. Thousands of comments read like a collective embrace: “Your dad heard every sold-out show from the best seat in the house tonight,” “He’s still proud of you—always will be,” “Thank you for letting us mourn with you.”
Post Malone turned pain into some of the most honest music of a generation. Now the world is trying to give that same comfort back to him.
Rest in peace, Rich Post. You raised a legend—and a damn good son.
All love and strength to Austin and his family.
