Tim McGraw Remembers His Dad On What Would Have Been His 79th Birthday
Tug McGraw / Instagram
Tim McGraw Pays Tribute To His Dad, The Late Tug McGraw, On His Birthday
Tim McGraw grew up believing that his stepfather Horace Smith, was his biological father. At age 11, Tim discovered the truth while searching for a picture for a school project. That’s when he came across his birth certificate.
The certificate showed that Tim’s biological father was MLB player Tug McGraw.
Tim’s mother, Betty, took him to meet his dad after this. But Tug refused to accept that Tim was his son. Years passed before Tug finally welcomed Tim into his life.
Although Tim grew up without his dad, the two of them bonded quickly. They remained close until Tug passed away on January 4, 2004. He was only 59 years old. Tug had been hospitalized with a brain tumor just 10 months before his death.
Tug McGraw Would Have Been 79 This Year
Tug would have celebrated his 79 birthday on Wednesday (August 30). His official Instagram page remembered him in a post, writing:
“Tug McGraw what you accomplished is your history. What you set in motion is your legacy. Twenty-years #strong in improving quality of life for those affected by brain-related trauma and tumors…Happy 79th Heavenly Birthday.”
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Tim also paid tribute to his father on social media. He shared a photo of the two of them together, and captioned it, “My dad wouldâve been 79 today. Happy birthday Tugger!! #yagottabelieve.”
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Tim McGraw Recorded “Live Like You Were Dying” In His Dad’s Honor
In 2004, Tim released a powerful single titled “Live Like You Were Dying.” He recorded the song in honor of his dad.
“Live Like You Were Dying” won Single and Song of the Year at the 2004 CMA Awards and the 2004 ACM Awards. It also won the award for Best Country Song at the 2004 Grammy Awards.
Watch Tim’s official music video for “Live Like You Were Dying” below.
