After popular radio host Delilah Rene shared the heartbreaking news that her teenage son took his own life following a lengthy battle with depression, thousands took to social media to offer prayers and words of encouragement.
In a Facebook post, the self-proclaimed "queen of sappy love songs" shared the "devastating" news that her son, Zachariah, had taken his own life in the early hours of October 3.
"He was being treated, counseled, and embraced fiercely by family and friends while battling depression for some time now. My heart is broken beyond repair and I cannot fathom how to go on...but I have to believe he is at peace with the Lord and that God will get us through," Rene wrote on Saturday.
She added that she will be taking a break from the radio as she mourns the death of her son.
"I will be absent from the radio and on social media for a time as I grieve and try to process this loss with my family. In the meantime we'll be playing some of my favorite shows from the recent past," she added.
The radio host concluded, "Please pray for my beloved Zacky, and I will pray for all suffering from this debilitating disease called depression."
As of Monday morning, Delilah's Facebook post received over 380,000 reactions and over 147,000 comments.
Wrote one commenter: "Delilah you mean so much to so many of us as you share your faith, wisdom and music. May God be your stronghold through this terrible tragedy. The loss of a child is so devastating and not something any parent should experience. Our prayers are with you. I know you will have wonderful memories that you can call on as you try to heal your heart and soul. Blessings!"
Wrote another: "Delilah, I'm so sorry. My husband took his own life and I found comfort in my pastor's words that those who complete suicide truly are mentally ill, and they die from the sickness, period. There was not anything we could have done, because we truly did all we could, especially in light of the toll dealing with the disease takes on the whole family. Your son, and my husband are with the Lord. Praying you have the peace which passes all understanding. Hugs."
Another commenter said: "I am so sorry Delilah. you have been here for so many and have helped me through the years. Take your time to grieve and we will be here when you come back. I pray God gives you strength and i know he will. God bless you and your family. We all love you! Rip Zachariah!"
Rene lost another son, Sammy, in 2012 following complications from sickle cell anemia. In the days before Sammy's death, Delilah had asked fans for prayers, saying she knew God was "holding him in the palm of His hand."
"My son Sammy passed from this world today into heaven, but he left behind a piece of his amazing soul in all that met him," she wrote. "As painful as this moment is, I am so so so so so thankful that God allowed me, my family and friends to experience the essence of his soul for the past two years. Everyone who met him was blessed by his big heart, his silly character voices, his wonderful sense of humor and his kindness towards all. He was a precious, precious young man and I praise the Lord that I was allowed to be bathed in Sammy's love as his "MommaBear"...we have been forever changed by having him in our lives."
According to NBC, Rene is the most listened to woman on U.S. radio with a show that is heard on more than 150 stations across the country. She was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016.
