Eric Church Reflects on How Vince Gill's Call Helped Him Accept 'New Normal' After Brother's Death

Country star opened up about the impact of Gill's advice following the loss of his brother Brandon in 2018.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a recent interview, country singer Eric Church discussed how a call from fellow musician Vince Gill helped him cope with the death of his brother Brandon in 2018. Gill advised Church that nothing would ever be the same for his family after the loss, which Church initially didn't understand but later realized was true. Church also shared how his brother had supported his early music career by moving to Nashville to keep him motivated when he was ready to give up.

Why it matters

The story provides insight into how famous musicians like Church and Gill navigate personal tragedies and the impact those events can have on their lives and careers. It also highlights the importance of having supportive loved ones, even in unexpected ways, during difficult times.

The details

After his brother Brandon's death in June 2018 at age 36 from chronic alcoholism, Eric Church said he was unprepared for how it would change his family dynamic. A few days later, Vince Gill called Church and told him that he, his parents, and his sister would "never be the same" as a unit. At the time, Church didn't fully understand Gill's words, but later realized the country legend was right - the loss permanently altered their family. Church also credited his brother for keeping him motivated early in his music career, when Brandon moved to Nashville to prevent Church from giving up on his dreams.

  • Brandon Church died in June 2018.
  • Vince Gill called Eric Church a few days after Brandon's death.

The players

Eric Church

A country music singer-songwriter who opened up about the impact of his brother's death and the advice he received from fellow musician Vince Gill.

Vince Gill

A veteran country music singer who called Eric Church after the death of his brother Brandon to offer advice about coping with the loss.

Brandon Church

Eric Church's brother, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 36 due to chronic alcoholism. Brandon had previously moved to Nashville to support Eric's early music career.

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What they’re saying

“When my brother died, I didn't comprehend that it's never going to be the same again — with my parents, with their relationship, with the whole family, the family dynamic. When my brother died, I wasn't prepared for that part.”

— Eric Church (CNN)

“You don't understand this now, but you're never going to be the same. Your mom and dad are never going to be the same. Your sister's never going to be the same. Y'all are never going to be the same as a unit.”

— Vince Gill (CNN)

The takeaway

The story highlights the profound impact the loss of a loved one can have, not just on the individual but on an entire family. Vince Gill's advice to Eric Church about accepting the "new normal" after such a tragedy provides a poignant lesson about the importance of acknowledging and adapting to the changes that inevitably occur in the wake of significant life events.