Alan Jackson’s Mom Passes Away at 86

Country star Alan Jackson shared some sad news today that his mother, Mrs. Ruth Musick "Mama Ruth" Jackson, passed away at the age of 86. She died peacefully at her home in Newnan, Georgia.

Alan shared the news on his Facebook page this evening.

Mama Ruth was a huge inspiration for Alan's music over the years. She was the force behind his Precious Memories album, which was a collection of gospel hymns that was originally created as only a Mother's Day gift to her with no intent to be released commercially.

Songs like "Home" also spoke of Mama Ruth:

My mama raised five children - four girls, and there was me.

She found her strength in faith in God and a love of family.

She never had a social life; home was all she knew.

Except the time she took a job to pay a bill or two.

Mrs. Jackson leaves behind five children -- daughters Diane, Cathy, Carol, Connie and son Alan. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Her beloved husband Eugene passed away 17 years ago, in January of 2000.

Rest in peace Mama Ruth.