Josh Gracin Under Care Following Disturbing Facebook Post
American Idol and country fans alike were left wrought with concern when Idol Season 2 contestant Josh Gracin left a vague but alarming message to his personal Facebook page, suggesting that he planned to take his own life.
The 33-year-old Gracin wrote a disturbing missive which seemed to be pointed at his wife of 13 years, Ann Marie, in which he noted "I've loved her for 17 years," and added, "She turned her back on me when I needed her help the most."
Most upsetting was his statement: "Please remember me as someone who gave his all in his music … Pray for my family as they carry on in this world without me. Goodbye."
The post was deleted, but numerous sources were able to screen-grab it in its entirety.
As might be expected, fans responded swiftly and with great concern on social media. However, the musician appears to be okay, as confirmed by his manager who tweeted from the singer's account that he is "safe and with his family now."
"We ask that you please respect their privacy during this time and continue sending your well wishes," his manager noted. "I promise to update you soon."
TMZ additionally reported that police visited Gracin's Tennessee home, where he lives with his wife and four chidren. While he wasn't there, his wife was and helped law enforcement track him down by phone. According to police, Gracin then drove himself to a hospital, with a police escort, where he is being held on an involuntary psychiatric hold. However he was described as being "cooperative."
Late Thursday night, it was announced on Gracin's Facebook page that his Friday show in Charleston, West Virginia, had been canceled.
On Friday, Gracin's management said in a statement that he had been discharged from the hospital and voluntarily checked himself into an inpatient facility.
Gracin himself added: "I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. I take responsibility for my actions and apologize dearly for what I have put my family through. With the help of my family and friends, I am getting help. Again, thank you for your love and I will see you very soon.”
Gracin enjoyed considerable success following his fourth-place showing on American Idol -- a fan favorite, he finished his service in the U.S. Marines Corps before signing a deal with Lyric Street Records, resulting in a No. 1 country hit off his 2004 self-titled debut album, followed by a string of charting singles.
However, he was dropped by the label in 2009, and although remaining creatively viable was not able to reach the same level of success as his earlier career years. His sophomore album contained an ode to his wife titled "Unbelievable (Ann Marie)."
Gracin's announcement came at a particularly sensitive time considering both actor Robin Williams's apparent suicide this week, plus the very recent and untimely death of Season 7 Idol alum Michael Johns.
