Samantha Busch mourns grandfather weeks after Kyle’s death
Samantha Busch revealed on July 16 that her grandfather has died, nearly two months after NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s sudden May 21 death. Sharing Instagram Stories, she said goodbye to “Nonno” and hoped he and Kyle were drinking Italian wine together in heaven.
The update, first reported by People, adds another layer of grief for the widow as she continues navigating life after her husband’s unexpected passing. Fans following celebrity breaking news have watched her document both heartbreak and gratitude in recent weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Samantha Busch announced her grandfather’s death on Instagram Stories on July 16, 2026.
- The loss comes nearly two months after Kyle Busch died on May 21 following a severe illness later tied to sepsis.
- She hoped “Nonno” and Kyle were reunited, “drinking Italian wine together in heaven.”
- She has thanked the NASCAR community for support and asked fans for keepsake ideas from Kyle’s shirts.
What did Samantha Busch say about her grandfather?
On Thursday, July 16, Samantha Busch shared that her grandfather had died. Over a photo of them posing in a green garden, she wrote, “Bye Nonno,” and added that she hoped he and Kyle were “drinking Italian wine together in heaven and pretending either of you can understand one another just like the very first Christmas you all first met.”
In another Story slide, she posted a photo of her grandfather eating pasta with her children and wrote, “And that Nonnie is making you guys pasta and her famous sauce.”
How does this loss follow Kyle Busch’s death?
Kyle Busch died suddenly on May 21 after being hospitalized for a brief but “severe” illness, later revealed to be sepsis. NASCAR announced the two-time champion’s death in a joint statement from his family and Richard Childress Racing, calling him a “future Hall of Famer” and a once-in-a-generation talent.
About two weeks later, on June 5, Samantha Busch said her family’s hearts were “absolutely shattered,” while thanking supporters for comfort “in the middle of so much pain.” After a Fourth of July trip to Idaho, she wrote on July 6 that “heartbreak and joy no longer live separately.”
How has Samantha Busch leaned on the NASCAR community?
In a July Instagram message ahead of race day in Atlanta, she said it still feels surreal watching from the couch and catching herself looking for Kyle’s name on the leaderboard. She thanked NASCAR wives for meals and check-ins, family and friends for carrying her through, and fans for prayers and support.
She has also asked fans for ideas on turning Kyle’s shirts into keepsakes for herself and their children, Brexton and Lennix—such as a stuffed animal, blanket, dress, or jacket—so they can keep his memory close.