Country star Kenny Chesney has been a mainstay at the CMA Awards for decades, so when he couldn't attend last night's event, fans immediately knew something was wrong.

The singer was nominated for a few awards, including one of the night's top prizes - Entertainer of the Year - but couldn't attend the show because of a heartbreaking reason.  

The Country Music Association took to Twitter to announce that Chesney wouldn't be able to attend this year's "telecast due to a death in the family."

Fans were quick to send their condolences via social media as soon as the news broke.

Neither Chesney or the CMA have shared any further details about the singer's loss at this time.

The tragedy comes just a little over a year after the "No shoes, No shirt, No problems" singer revealed that he lost his home during last year's hurricane season.

Chesney's property in the U.S. Virgin Islands was completely destroyed by Hurricane Irma. He shared some devastating photos of the aftermath on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message including a vow to help those affected rebuild their lives.

"As daylight is hitting the islands, and we're really getting a sense of how bad this all is...I don't know what to say," wrote Chesney in the statement. "I've never been in war, but the devastation, the people's faces in a place I know by heart have left me feeling helpless. It's total devastation."

In the following days, he launched a new relief foundation called Love for Love City to help with the relief and rebuilding efforts in the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands.

We're thinking of Chesney and his family during this difficult time.