Rascal Flatts‘ Jay DeMarcus is sharing sweet memories of his father, Stanley Wayne DeMarcus, and how his father’s own love of music shaped his career path. The 49-year-old spoke out about his dad, shortly after the family’s patriarch, called “Wayno,” passed away last week.

“My dad was always musical,” Jay shared with his record label. “So, the bond that we’ve always shared that has kept us close is music and we play music together. I try to go back, not so much in the last couple of years because his health has been deteriorating. But I would go back and play some little clubs with him with his band that he had back in the late ’70s.

“It was a way for me to stay connected to my father and share that bond with him,” he added. “There is a lot about my father that I will always cherish and love.”

Jay first shared the news of the loss of his father on social media, along with a few photos of the two together over the years.

I lost my musical hero and Father this morning. Known as “Wayno” to most, he impacted everyone around him, and he was bigger than life to me. I could never explain in just a few words how important the musical bond was that we shared-it meant everything to me. pic.twitter.com/lUL4oVVLdY

— Jay DeMarcus (@JayDeMarcus) October 29, 2020

“I lost my musical hero and Father this morning,’ Jay posted. “Known as ‘Wayno’ to most, he impacted everyone around him, and he was bigger than life to me. I could never explain in just a few words how important the musical bond was that we shared-it meant everything to me.”

“He taught me how to play, pushed me to be the best I could be, and I could not be more grateful for the time spent with him on the stage, and off,” he continued, in a lengthier post on Instagram. “I have a lifetime of memories that will now be my comfort, as I face this life now without him. Rest In Peace my precious Dad, I was always proud to be called your son, and I will miss you forever. Enjoy Heaven, you’ve earned it…”