Jo Dee Messina Mourns Death Of Her Mother
Jo Dee Messina
“Heads Carolina, Tails California” singer Jo Dee Messina is grieving the death of her mother, Mary Messina. Jo Dee shared the news of her mother’s passing on social media Sunday (April 19) along with a beautifully written tribute to the woman she credits with helping launch her country music career.
“She loved me perfectly in a way that only she could do. She was my encouragement and she believed in me at times when no one else did. She understood the way I thought and she understood the way I felt. What a blessing she was to me, my entire life,” Messina wrote. “This morning my mother went home to be with The Lord. While we are tending to what needs to be done, she is entrenched in God’s glory. She is reunited with her family and my mother gets to gaze at the face of Jesus. Wow!”
Jo Dee went on to thank the fans that supported her mother and showed her love and kindness over the years. “Your kindness and enthusiasm made her heart full. I am grateful to you for giving her that gift.”
In a 2015 interview with CBS News, Jo Dee recalled the days early in her career when her mom would drive her to singing engagements.
“I didn’t get it then. I get it now… I’d fall asleep in the car, and we’d get home after midnight. My mom would get up at 5 o’clock and get up for work the next day… She’d sit all night just to watch me sing one song,” Messina shared.
Jo Dee went on to become one of the biggest female stars of the ’90s with the success of her debut single, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” and the follow-up releases “You’re Not In Kansas Anymore,” “Bye, Bye,” and “I’m Alright.” In total, JoDee has 9 career Top 10 hits and 2 platinum country albums, and 3 gold certified albums to her credit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo Dee Messina during this difficult time.
