Alan Jackson Honors Late Son-in-Law Ben Selecman with Heartfelt Tribute: “Rest in Peace Until We See You Again”
Alan Jackson and his wife, Denise, have broken their silence in the wake of a family tragedy that has left them reeling. In a deeply personal message shared on Instagram, the country music icon expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support and compassion shown to their family following the sudden death of their son-in-law, Ben Selecman.
“It’s with grateful hearts that Denise and I want to thank our friends and fans for the outpouring of love and prayers during the hospitalization and ultimate passing of our son-in-law, Ben Selecman,” Jackson wrote.
Ben, only 28, died on September 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida, after sustaining a traumatic head injury. He had fallen while assisting a woman onto a boat—an everyday gesture that turned tragically fatal. At the time, he was serving as Assistant District Attorney for Davidson County, Tennessee.
In his tribute, Jackson painted a vivid picture of the young man they had come to love deeply: “Ben was a southern boy who loved hunting and fishing and just being outdoors. His childlike enthusiasm for each new day was contagious to everyone around him. He was the godly young man that Denise had always prayed for for Mattie.”
The message was accompanied by two intimate snapshots—one of Jackson and Ben enjoying a carefree day on the water, the other a quiet moment from Mattie and Ben’s wedding, a radiant celebration in October 2017 that had once graced the pages of Southern Bride magazine.
Selecman’s death struck a blow not just to the Jackson family, but to his colleagues and community. The District Attorney’s Office released a statement mourning his passing: “Ben had the opportunity to serve the people of Davidson County, and we are thankful for every day he did. Our prayers are with Ben’s family. He will be truly missed.”
Jackson closed his post with a message steeped in faith and longing: “Ben, we love you. Rest in Peace until we see you again.”
The family’s sorrow has resonated with fans across the country, who continue to send messages of sympathy, comfort, and shared grief—reminding the Jacksons that even in the darkest moments, they are not alone.