Country Singer Granger Smith’s Wife Recalls Telling Their Kids How Their 3-Year-Old Brother Drowned

usmagazine.com:

A difficult conversation. Country singer Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, wanted to be open with their children in the wake of their son River’s death.“We had to be very honest from the very beginning,” the Texas native, 40, explained on during an appearance on the “Meaning Full Lives” podcast earlier this month.

Amber and Granger, 42, lost their 3-year-old son in 2019 after he drowned in the family’s pool. “We went home [from the hospital] with that intention of being very honest [with our two older children].

We said, ‘River was without oxygen for too long. They did everything that they could, but Bubbie died.'”She added that they also let daughter London, now 10, and son Lincoln, now 8, “process their emotions” with support and guidance. “We … told them that whatever they’re feeling … it’s OK.”The “Holler” singer and Amber, who welcomed son Maverick in August 2021, have become outspoken advocates for water safety in the years since losing their son.

In April, Granger posted a video from their youngest son’s Infant Swim Rescue lesson, noting that while the infant could “barely crawl,” he was now able to “hold his breath, twist his body, find the air, float on his back and cry. … He has the skills to float until help comes.”The musician continued: “He’s a warrior and doesn’t even realize it.