Darius Rucker Left “Devastated” Over Death of Longtime Crew Member

Founding Hootie and the Blowfish in 1986 at the University of South Carolina, Darius Rucker has found success both solo and as part of an ensemble. Last year, the “Wagon Wheel” singer celebrated his incredible career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recently, the three-time GRAMMY winner shared some heartbreaking news with his social media following. His longtime production manager, Jason Parkin, died last week, leaving Rucker “devastated.”

Darius Rucker Remembers His “Brother”

Last Tuesday (Oct. 2), Darius Rucker took to social media to share the news of Jason Parkin’s passing.

“For nearly 25 years, Jason “Devil Boy” Parkin was a staple in our crew. He was more than our production manager, he was our brother,” wrote Rucker, 58. “We are devastated by his passing this week. Our prayers are with his family – thank you for loaning him to us all these years. Rest in peace DB, til we meet again. – DR”

Parkin died Sept. 30, according to Music Row. He was 49.

The Raleigh, North Carolina native spent a quarter of a century working alongside Rucker, including on on Hootie & the Blowfish’s 2019 “Group Therapy Tour.”

Fans flooded Rucker’s comments section with condolences. “Thank you Darius!” wrote someone who appears to be Parkin’s niece. “Uncle Jay loved you and loved being on the road with you all.”

[RELATED: Watch Darius Rucker and Kris Kristofferson Duet at the White House in Throwback Performance For the President]

Remembering Kris Kristofferson

Sadly, this isn’t the only personal loss Darius Rucker has suffered in the past couple of weeks. Just two days before Parkin’s death, outlaw country legend Kris Kristofferson passed away at his home in Maui. He was 88 years old.

The country music industry is still collectively mourning this enormous loss, including Rucker. The “Beers and Sunshine” singer shared a photo of Kristofferson to social media, along with some heartfelt words.

“We lost one of the kindest most beautiful souls that God gave us. I will miss u my friend,” Rucker wrote on X/Twitter.

He added, “I love u Kriss. I just love u man!!”

In 2011, Darius Rucker famously joined the “Bobby McGee” singer-songwriter in the East Room at the White House. The duo performed “Pancho and Lefty” for then-President Barack Obama.

Featured image by Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock