Country music artist Conner Smith returned to the stage for the first time since a tragic car accident in June that left an elderly woman dead.
His recent performance brought a night filled with deep emotion and faith to the Grand Ole Opry. Insiders shared a video exclusively with Fox News Digital, capturing the moment the singer communicated with the audience and shared his experiences following the accident.
“In the darkest times, I found the Lord to be nearer than ever,” Smith expressed. “He surpassed all my expectations every step along the journey,” he continued.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter, recognized for tracks such as “Take It Slow” and “Creek Will Rise,” had put several shows on hold over the past two months to heal and take a break from public appearances.
Now, in what he calls a “second chance,” Smith returned to the stage.
Before he stepped onstage, Smith addressed fans directly with a heartfelt post on his blog post titled “The First Step.”
He candidly opened up about the emotional aftermath of the fatal crash and the private journey he’s been on since then.
“When tragedy struck, I realized my heart couldn’t comprehend it,” Smith reflected on Substack. “I was surrounded by a phenomenal support system including my wife, family, friends, and pastors. For the first month, I withdrew from the world, spending time mostly with friends who visited or just my personal moments with Jesus. I disconnected from my phone and external noise, focusing on processing the pain with my supportive circle.”
At his Grand Ole Opry performance, Smith was introduced by fellow Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman. He delivered a deeply emotional set that included a new song called “Songs of David,” which he described as a “prayer-inspired piece” he had been developing over the period of his recovery.
Smith’s moving performance follows his choice to cancel several concerts following the accident, explaining that he needed time to reflect and attend to his emotional health.
While he pointed out that performing has often served as a source of healing for him, he acknowledged that this moment required him to take a step back.
“Out of respect for everyone involved and to give space for grieving, I made the decision to step away from shows these past few weeks. I have always found that making music and playing shows is a place of healing for me – but for this moment, it was important for me to take time away.”
In June, Smith was behind the wheel during the deadly Nashville crash that left a 77-year-old woman dead. Earlier this month, Smith was issued a misdemeanor citation for failure to yield, resulting in a fatality.
The rising country star took to social media to break his silence as he grieved and mourned the loss of Dorothy Dobbins.
“Four weeks ago, I was involved in a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the loss of a life,” Smith penned in an Instagram post on July 11.
“Not a day has gone by that I haven’t grieved, prayed, and mourned for Ms. Dobbins and her family.”
