The frontman and lead vocalist of Alabama, Randy Owen, is grieving over the death of his mother, Martha Alice Teague Owen.
The band announced on their Instagram account that the matriarch “left for heaven” on Thursday morning (June 2) at Fort Payne, Alabama, surrounded by family. They added that they would terribly miss her, but they will “rejoice in knowing she’s now walking in very High, High Cotton.”
Martha – who is married to Randy’s late father, Gladstone Yeuell Owen – leaves behind the country singer as well as his two sisters: Reba Patterson and Rachel Carroll. She was 90 years old.
Randy Owen’s Mother Is One Of Her Biggest Musical Influences.
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Growing up on a cotton farm near Fort Payne, Alabama, music has always been in the family bloodline of Randy Owen. In fact, he said he inherited his musical talent from his parents.
During his teenage years, his family built The Singing Owen Family – a Gospel group that would travel throughout Alabama, including the south, to perform at churches and different events during the ’60s and ’70s. Randy would often express how grateful he is to his mother and father for introducing him to singing on a live stage at a young age.
Meanwhile, the country music band Alabama mourns with Randy as they announce the new schedules for their two tour dates this weekend, following Martha Owen’s death. Alabama’s show on June 3 at Roanoke, Virginia, is now slated to be in December, while the show on June 4 at Fayetteville, North Carolina, will now take place on December 11.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Randy and his family during this difficult time. Funeral services for Martha will begin on June 6 at the Rainsville Community Church in Rainsville, Alabama.