(NewsNation) — Country singer Spencer Hatcher is a rising star in the industry who is now facing personal tragedy following the death of his mother on August 3.  

Spencer Hatcher’s mother, Holly Hatcher, was stabbed to death by Kevin Moses Walker during what is being considered a random home invasion just before midnight, Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said. 

Authorities say Spencer Hatcher‘s father, Michael, shot Walker in an act of self-defense, killing the 41-year-old intruder. His father sustained “serious injuries” in the attack, the singer said in a video statement posted by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office. 

Who is Spencer Hatcher?  

Spencer Hatcher is a country and bluegrass musician who came from a musical family, having been a part of his family’s bluegrass band when he was 12. His late mother played the piano and organ at their church, while his father sang, played guitar and the banjo, according to Spencer Hatcher’s website.  

He said that while his roots are in bluegrass, he was “infatuated with country music.” 

“That’s all I wanted to do and all I listened to. I loved older traditional country music. It’s what I call real country music,” he wrote.  

The singer has released a few songs this year, including “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” “On the Insider” and “The Way She Lies.”  

In 2024, he signed a record deal with Stone Country Records, something he called a “lifelong dream.”  

Spencer Hatcher cancels tour dates 

Following his mother’s murder, Spencer Hatcher canceled several upcoming shows.  

“I hope to make these dates up to my fans in the future. … We ask that everyone please respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he said in a social media post.