Scotty McCreery Mourns Heartbreaking Loss of Both Grandmothers on the Same Day
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, country music star Scotty McCreery and his family suffered an unimaginable blow—losing both of his beloved grandmothers within hours of each other. His maternal grandmother, Janet Hunter Cooke (aged 85), who had been battling complications from norovirus and the flu that led to dehydration and pneumonia, passed away just after 1 p.m. at WakeMed Hospital. Only hours later, at around 4 p.m., his paternal grandmother, Paquita McCreery (aged 93), succumbed after a period of declining health
Scotty broke the news publicly via social media, describing his shock and grief:
“My heart is absolutely broken. Yesterday, both my Grandma Janet and my Grandma Paquita passed away. I think I am still in a bit of shock as I type this, but I’m choosing to remember the great memories we all made with both of them.”
🌻 Remembering Grandma Janet and Grandma Paquita
Grandma Janet Hunter Cooke (195–2025)
A cherished presence in his life, Scotty shared memories of summers at the family farm in Elizabeth City and trips to the Outer Banks. She was known for her gentle love, warmth, and devotion to her family
Grandma Paquita McCreery (1931–2025)
Scotty fondly remembers backyard pool days at Pinehurst and family vacations to Puerto Rico. Paquita’s fun-loving spirit even made its way onto television, when she appeared alongside Scotty on Celebrity Family Feud in 2018
Scotty reflected, “Both of them truly taught me what love is all about. I will miss them dearly.”
🎶 A Family United in Grief and Gratitude
Scotty’s parents also shared poignant messages of remembrance. His father, Mike, wrote that he had lost his mother Paquita around 4 p.m., following the passing of Sue’s mother, Judy’s own mother Janet, a few hours earlier
Judy, Scotty’s mother, described losing her mother as “hard to fathom,” explaining that Janet passed away after an illness at 1 p.m. with her husband and children by her side. She continued:
“As if that was not enough, we also lost Mike’s mom, Paquita, yesterday, a few hours later at 4 pm … Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
🙏 Community and Fan Support
As news spread, fans, fellow musicians, and members of the music industry offered their deepest condolences:
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Country Now described the moment as a “heartbreaking double loss” and extended thoughts and prayers
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The Bobby Bones Show also covered Scotty’s emotional announcement, highlighting his plea for support and prayers during this difficult time
🌿 Reflections on a Grandson’s Love
Scotty has always honored family through his music—songs like “Five More Minutes” being inspired by the loss of loved ones. In the wake of this dual loss, his words underscore the profound impact grandparents have on shaping our understanding of love, resilience, and values.
💐 Honoring Their Legacies
As Scotty and his family begin to say goodbye, fans and friends are encouraged to:
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Share prayers and condolences through social media or other preferred channels.
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Celebrate their memories by recalling how Grandma Janet’s farm or Grandma Paquita’s pool sparked lasting joy.
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Support causes close to them, such as family-themed charities or local elder care services.
Arrangements for memorial services are anticipated to be announced soon via family statements or Scotty’s official platforms.
🕊️ In Loving Memory
Losing two grandmothers in under 24 hours is a deeply painful moment for any family. For Scotty McCreery, a family man and devoted grandson, these losses mark a poignant chapter. Yet in his words, the legacy of their love endures:
“They truly taught me what love is all about.”
May Janet Hunter Cooke and Paquita McCreery rest in peace. May their memories live on through the stories, songs, and love they inspired—and may Scotty, his parents, and their extended family find comfort in cherished relationships and the support of a caring community.