Tyler Hubbard Reflects On The Tragic Loss Of His Father: 'Didn’t Seem Fair'

Tyler Hubbard reflected on the tragic loss of his father — and a significant decision he made in that moment — on the first-ever episode of a faith-fueled podcast that premiered on Wednesday (November 5).

Hubbard, 38, joined iHeartRadio’s Brooke Taylor and Pastor Mark Evans on the duo’s new podcast, The Upload. The Georgia-born country star spoke about “how faith carried him through seasons of loss, change, and renewal. From losing his father in a tragic accident to rebuilding life and purpose after Florida Georgia Line, Tyler opens up about the moments that tested his trust in God—and the peace that came when he finally surrendered control. He also reflects on how fatherhood has deepened his understanding of grace, how he now views idols and success through a biblical lens, and the scriptures that continue to anchor his journey,” reads the description of the first-ever Upload episode.

“It happened in my backyard,” Hubbard said of the day he lost his father. The singer-songwriter was 20 years old at the time. “It was a helicopter crash, and it was super graphic and I was just shook. I remember instantly, almost, as I was walking away from that just standing there and talking to God and being like ‘alright, I know how this story plays out. I can get mad at you right now and I can go down this road, or I can lean on you.’

“I feel like that was the moment where I’ve been almost training for my whole childhood, you know what I mean?” Hubbard continued. “It was like, ‘alright, how strong is your faith?’ Because this didn’t seem fair, you know, Dad was 43. I was 20. And it just felt like, man, we were just getting to a cool spot in our relationship. And so, to watch him pass away in front of me, you know, in an instant, very unexpected, I was just like, alright. I gotta make a choice.

“For me, the second I made that choice, I felt the embrace and I felt the peace. And I was like, ‘that makes no sense.’ And I was just like, ‘woah, this is Jesus.’”

“Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them, and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives. Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.”

Find the full conversation with Hubbard on iHeartRadio here.