Granger Smith Finds Relief and Purpose in Leaving Country Music Career for Ministry

Country music star Granger Smith has announced that he is leaving his music career behind to devote himself to a life of ministry at his church in Texas, four years after his son River died. Smith plans to enroll in a master's degree program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His upcoming Like a River tour, named after his late son, will be his last. Smith struggled with the idea of continuing to sing country music while also talking about God on stage, but ultimately realized he needed to make himself smaller and surrender his platform to God. His memoir, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, will be released on August 1, and his final concert will be on August 26.