In September 2018, country music legend Alan Jackson and his family faced a heartbreaking tragedy with the sudden passing of his son-in-law, Ben Selecman, at the age of 28.
Ben, married to Alan’s eldest daughter Mattie Jackson Selecman, was an Assistant District Attorney in Davidson County, Tennessee. While assisting a woman onto a boat in Jupiter, Florida, Ben slipped, suffered a traumatic head injury, and tragically passed away after being hospitalized for over a week.
Alan Jackson publicly expressed his grief and appreciation for the support received during this difficult time. In a heartfelt message, he described Ben as “a Southern boy who loved hunting and fishing and just being outdoors,” and “the godly young man that Denise had always prayed for for Mattie.”
The loss profoundly affected the Jackson family, with Alan channeling his emotions into his music. He shared special memories of Ben, including the significance behind his song “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” which he wrote for his daughters’ weddings.
Mattie Jackson Selecman has also opened up about her journey through grief, reflecting on the love she shared with Ben and the challenges of moving forward after such a profound loss.
This tragic event remains a poignant chapter in Alan Jackson’s life, underscoring the deep bonds of family and the enduring power of love and remembrance.