Chris Daughtry. MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Take it one day at a.m. Chris Daughtry opened up about how he’s coping with the deaths of his stepdaughter and mother, who passed away within days of each other last fall.
“I dealt with both differently, processed both losses very differently—the common denominator in both is the guilt,” the former American IdolContestant, 42, stated during the Thursday, 23 June episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. “[Thinking], ‘I wish I would have said this. I wish I would’ve done this. I wish I would’ve called more.’”
The “It’s Not Over” singer continued, “Those moments of the guilt is the hardest because you can’t do anything about it. There’s always going to be reminders of what you could’ve done or whatever, and I tend to beat myself up a lot over it.”
Daughtry, his 25-year old stepdaughter Hannah, died suddenly in November 2021. Daughtry canceled all tour dates. The musician’s mom, Sandra, lost her battle with cancer days prior.
Hannah’s mother, Deanna Daughtry, married the “Home” artist in November 2000. “My first born. I love you endlessly Hannah,” Deanna captioned an emotional Instagram tribute after her child’s death. “Our family would like to thank you all for the outpouring of love as we grieve the loss of my daughter Hannah. We await the autopsy results to find out how Hannah was injured that led to her death. Our hearts are broken.”
Deanna shared Hannah and Griffin with a former partner. Deanna and Grammy nominee Deanna tied the knot and welcomed twins Adalynn (now 11) via surrogate.
Shortly after Hannah’s death, Chris told fans he was “heartbroken and devastated” by the loss. “I am still processing the last 24 hours. … I recently lost my mother to cancer but I was blessed with the chance to say goodbye and I was processing it privately,” he wrote via Instagram. “We never got to say goodbye to our precious Hannah and it’s another huge hit to our family.”
He continued at the time, “Thank you all for your kind words and condolences. They are truly appreciated and felt. As we try to heal from this terrible loss, I am now taking the time to be with my family. Hannah, I love you. I miss you. I wish I could hold your hand. This hurts so deeply💔💔💔.”
Earlier this year, the “No Surprise” crooner confirmed the cause of Hannah’s death in a statement to Us Weekly. “Our beloved Daughter Hannah Price passed away on Nov 12th 2021. Much speculation has been made since that date, and after a full investigation by law enforcement we are now able to speak in further detail,” Chris and Deanna said in January. “From a young age, Hannah struggled with mental illness and was in and out of therapy and treatment centers. Hannah struggled to find her feet as she grew older and began using drugs. She often found herself in a drug-induced stupefaction. [in] abusive relationships.”
After receiving a disturbing message from Hannah, the North Carolina native and his wife called for a wellness inspection to be conducted by local authorities. After officers determined her to be safe, they left “without incident.” She was later found by her boyfriend, who called 9-1-1, and she was pronounced dead on the scene.
“Hannah was a generous and loving person who wanted more for herself and others. She will forever be in the hearts and minds of those of us who love her,” her parents told Use. “We ask for your continued privacy at this time while we grieve.”
If you or someone close to you are contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
