Granger Smith announced the release date of the “most important piece of media that I could ever release,” a book that’s due out this summer. The book includes a reflection on Smith losing his 3-year-old son in a tragic accident, welcoming his youngest child afterward, and the impact it’s had on his faith.
Smith penned a book called “Like a River,” he said in a heartfelt video posted to Instagram on Tuesday (April 11). “It shouldn’t surprise you what that book is about. It’s about from when I lost my son, Riv, to when we had Mav, and everything in between. What the Lord did and the radical way of opening my eyes.
“That message is so important to tell,” Smith continued, later hinting at the possibility of a book tour on the horizon. “It’s the most important piece of media that I could ever release, that I ever have released. So, it’s gonna take a lot of time for me to get out, and Lord willing, do some kind of book tour, tot all about that get it in front of as many people (as possible) to hear that message. It’s become a life mission for me.”
Smith and his wife, Amber, lost their son, River Kelly Smith, in the summer of 2019, when he was only 3 years old. Smith’s representative confirmed at the time that River died by drowning. The Smiths welcomed son Maverick Beckham Smith in August 2021. They chose his name, in part, because it honors River with the letters R-I-V.
Smith made the announcement about his book as he revealed that he would close a chapter of his career — embarking on his farewell tour after 24 years of touring — to pursue ministry. This decision ends “the longest era of my life,” he said, admittedly struggling to post the message on Tuesday. The After MidNite host acknowledged that while “a lot of ya’ll might not understand this (decision) at all… That’s OK. That’s not what this video’s about.” Smith, who will also be at this year's iHeartCountry Festival in Austin on May 13, pledged to answer any questions his fans and social media followers have after he announced big decisions in his life and career.