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Donald Trump has honored Kid Rock's father, William Ritchie Sr., with a social media tribute describing him as "something special."
The Detroit native passed away on February 15 following a battle with cancer. Kid Rock—real name Robert James Ritchie—shared news of his father's passing on X, formerly Twitter, telling followers the used-car dealer had "moved on to be with Jesus."
Trump expressed his condolences for the rapper's loss, memorializing Ritchie Sr.—also known as Bill—on Truth Social on Tuesday.
"Bill Ritchie, Sr., the wonderful father of Bob, sometimes referred to as Kid Rock, recently passed away after a long and brave fight with a nasty competitor, cancer," the 77-year-old wrote.
"I got to know Bill very well over the last three years, and he was something special, a very successful guy, but family was far more important than that success.
"He was a fabulous father, grandfather, and great grandfather, but also, a man with tremendous vision, talent, and style, and a real character! My condolences to the whole family. Bill will be greatly missed."
Newsweek has reached out to Donald Trump for comment by email and Kid Rock via Instagram.
In an interview with Detroit Business in 2009, Kid Rock described his father as someone who "worked hard and played hard." Bill Ritchie owned the Crest Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Sterling Heights, Detroit, putting in "grueling" hours, before selling up in 1999.
Although his father initially wasn't thrilled with his son's rock star dreams, Kid Rock credited his parents for his love of music.
"They loved rock 'n' roll, classic rock, country music," he said. "My dad liked a lot of the outlaw country stuff—Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, all of the early Sun Records; they loved Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis.
"My mom loved Elton John and Fleetwood Mac. They both loved the Rolling Stones and, of course, Bob Seger was basically spoon-fed to me."
Growing up, Kid Rock resented his dad's "workaholic tendencies." However, the pair became close towards the end of Bill Ritchie's life.
Announcing his father's death on Friday, the 53-year-old called him "an incredible father, grandfather, great grandfather, and so much more."
"Thank you for your condolences in advance," he told followers. "God Bless you and I love you Pop!"
Trump and Kid Rock have been friends for several years, with the music legend endorsing the former president during his 2016 campaign run.
The duo have attended UFC bouts together and been spotted playing golf at Trump's resort in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Trump even provided an introduction video ahead of Rock's 2022 concert in Evansville, Indiana.
In the short clip, the business magnate described Rock as "one of the greatest entertainers of our time," although he poked fun at the singer's golfing skills.
"His golf game could use a little work," Trump joke. "But a great, great entertainer, and that's why you're there."
The former president also told the crowd to "love one another, fight for our God-given freedoms, and, most of all, let's make America rock again."
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more