Dierks Bentley is mourning the loss of a fan, who became more of a friend. Baylee Barradas battled neurofibromatosis 1 her entire life, resulting in a cancerous tumor in her leg, which was discovered last December. Barradas, an Arizona native like Bentley, was a big fan of the country singer, which is how he got to know the young woman, even giving her a private concert in May. Bentley spoke out about her passing on social media.

“Rest In Peace Baylee Barradas,” Bentley wrote, along with a few photos. “Up until a month ago, I thought that the free gigs led to the gigs where I got paid in beer, and then tips on lower broadway, to the clubs and theaters…working my way up towards bigger crowds and the biggest shows at msg and Bridgestone Arena and my hometown arena in PHX. Seeing now that I had it upside down…those big shows were all just preparation for my most important show, for an audience of one. The phrase honored and humbled gets used a lot but it is the only one appropriate for how it felt to be included by this family and be able to spend this past weekend with them, Baylee, her friends, and her dogs Arlo and Arnie.

“Thankful to my friends Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Hubbard, and Cole Swindell for making videos for this big time country music fan. grateful to Country Radio for the hits and having a chance to use those songs in a way that brought a lot of joy, comfort, peace and love to an unbelievably sad situation,” he continued.. “Baylee’s father said to me, ‘It’s never too late to make a lifelong friend.’ Nothing could be more true for me and my friend Baylee. God bless.”

https://twitter.com/DierksBentley/status/1407034587751014401
Barradas recalled Bentley’s impromptu performance, and the impact it had on her.

“The whole time through him playing I had no jolts in my leg, which is when my leg shakes,” Barradas told KPNX. “I had no pain, I was just very relaxed.”

Bentley also shared his first meeting with Barradas on social media as well.

“Didn’t think anything could top the recent club shows we did but that was before I got to play a private concert for my new friend Baylee Barradas,” Bentley said at the time. “Hometown friend brought her fight with cancer to my attention. Sweet girl really going thru it. hard hard stuff. Could use all the prayers. Thankful to Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler for the song ‘Riser.’ Powerful song to be able to share. Shout out to Kelsea Ballerini for jumping on a blind FaceTime call from me so Baylee could talk to one of her favorite singers. (Luke, where were you?!) #fighter #survivor #riser”

I got to play a private concert for my new friend Baylee Barradas. A friend brought her fight with cancer to my attention. Sweet girl going thru hard stuff. Could use all the prayers. Shout out to @KelseaBallerini for jumping on a FaceTime so Baylee could talk to her #riser pic.twitter.com/HIpPtRKpa8

— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) May 21, 2021

Everything Nash offers their deepest condolences to Barradas’ family.