Lzzy Hale recently bid an emotional farewell to bandmate Joe Hottinger’s father, sharing a sentimental note and celebrating his life while discussing how much he meant to her.
Joe’s father, Michael Hottinger, recently passed away due to Amyloidosis, a rare health condition that affects multiple organs and the nervous system. So, as Halestorm mourned Mike’s passing, it was apparent that he meant a lot to Lzzy, as the singer shared how Hottinger had always viewed her like a child of his own.
The frontwoman honored Mike’s life by recalling their memories and discussing how the late man always supported Halestorm and encouraged Hale to do her best. It was evident that Hottinger went beyond simply being Joe’s dad, with Lzzy making it clear that she considered him both a dear friend and a loving father figure.
She also encouraged Halestorm fans to check out Joe’s tribute to his father while discussing how she and her bandmates were on a mission to spread awareness of the condition Mike battled against. Lzzy then ended her words by sharing that she hoped to meet Mike again one day and jam some Allman Brothers.
The rocker’s tribute to Mike noted:
“Michael Hottinger, Joe’s father, passed away this week. He’s a man I loved fiercely, and from the moment we met 20 years ago, he welcomed me like I was his own. He’d always say to me whenever we were getting ready to embark on our next adventure, ‘You’re a good kid, Liz; stay that way.’ I will, Mike; I promise.
It’s been hard to say goodbye knowing I won’t get that send-off anymore, but all of his advice, his isms, and the big love he had for all he held dear will live on through us. Let’s do some good for the souls that are fighting Amyloidosis like Mike fought. Love you forever, Papa Hotts. We’ll jam some Allman brothers for the angels when we meet again.”
It seems that Lzzy held dear Mike quite much, pouring her words in such an emotional way while celebrating every aspect of Hottinger’s life and his relationship with Halestorm. ‘Papa Hotts’ was always supportive when it came to celebrating his son and his bandmate’s accomplishments, so the singer felt she had to pay a decent tribute to make it clear how much the late man meant to them.
