Ruth Jackson, the beloved mother of Alan Jackson, passed away at her home in Newnan, Georgia. She had lived for 86 years.

An announcement on Ruth’s passing was made on Alan Jackson’s social media pages. “Mrs. Jackson became a celebrated part of son Alan Jackson’s career and life story as the inspiration behind some of his fans’ favorite music,” said the statement. The declaration was issued in Alan’s memory and in response to Ruth’s demise.

Just a few days later, on January 12, 2017, Mama Ruth passed away and was laid to rest.

The Newnan Times-Herald wrote and published a piece about Mama Ruth’s funeral. It extensively covered their mother’s life and death from Alan and his brothers’ points of view.

When Joseph Eugene, Alan’s father, died 17 years ago, he wrote a song in his honor that would one day be known as “Drive (For Daddy Gene).” Hence, the day before his mother’s funeral rites, Alan wrote a song for her.

Where Her Heart Has Always Been, the name of this song, reportedly appeared in the Newnan Times-Herald. The song’s performance at his mother’s burial, according to Alan, was his “toughest gig yet,” according to the magazine.

Despite the fact that it has been four years since Ruth passed away, Alan is now releasing “Where Her Heart Has Always Been” to the general world. This song will be featured on his upcoming “Where Have You Gone?” album.

One of the lyrics Alan uses when he sings about the day his mother died is, “A lovely sound was saying low “It’s time to leave.” He sings of his mother ascending to heaven in the chorus, using phrases like:

She is currently dancing in the breeze as she reunites with her one true love. She will always remain in the place where her heart has gone.

Everyone who has lost a loved one, but especially a parent, is sure to identify with the melancholy song. In the audio clip down below, you can hear it.

Every note in the song reflects Alan’s pain, which is audible. He is without a doubt inexcusably pining for his mother.