USA TODAY Sports

William Ritchie Sr, father to Kid Rock, died on Thursday, Feb. 15. According to The Detroit News, William Ritchie, Sr and his wife, Susan Ritchie, had four children. Kid Rock was the third in line.  

When Kid Rock first became involved in the Detroit hip-hop scene, his father wasn't sure what to think. Later, he made an effort to be more open-minded to his son's pursuits.

Rock described his father as a man with a strong work ethic and a love for country music, The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger. Ritchie, Sr. lived in Michigan and once owned a Lincoln-Mercury dealership.

In a 2009 interview with dbusiness, Rock credited his parents with his love of music and, quite honestly, a good party.  

Even after struggling with their relationship for a time, Rock and his father were very close. His father even self-described as "Daddy Rock." Rock shared the news with a heartfelt post on social media.

Likely to honor his father, Rock signed the post - Bob Ritchie. Kid Rock was born in Romeo, Mich., on Jan. 17, 1971. He was given the name Robert Ritchie.

Despite facing many challenges and hardships, including ultimately his parents' divorce, Kid Rock spoke fondly of his father and the impact he had on his upbringing.

Their bond, rooted in a shared passion for music and a commitment to family, serves as a testament to the enduring influence of parental support and guidance in Kid Rock's life and career.  

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
15 TV and movie characters you may not realize were based on real people
One and done: 20 iconic celebrities who are only children
15 TV breakups that left viewers completely devastated
The killer that won't die: "Dexter: Resurrection" teaser has dropped
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is unrecognizeable as UFC fighter in A24's "The Smashing Machine"
'Thunderbolts*' is Marvel as its most contemplative (review)
If you loved ‘Sinners’, here are 20 films & TV shows you should watch next
John Stamos played drums along to a Papa Roach song and you know you want to see what that's all about
"Welcome to Wrexham" trailer drops amid historic club promotion
Brad Pitt to star in "The Riders" from "Conclave" director and A24
Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and Cyndi Lauper headline 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
"Revenge of the Sith" had a big theatrical re-release as the Hayden Christiansen renaissance continues
Five takeaways about "Sinners" box office success
Amateur hours: The best films about non-professional and semi-professional athletes
20 fantastic 2D animated films that have nothing to do with Disney
'You' showrunners share alternate endings for Penn Badgley's Joe Goldberg
Jeff Goldblum collaborates with 'Wicked' co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on new album, 'Still Blooming' 
Camille Razat talks about her decision to step away from 'Emily in Paris'
'You' showrunners reveal what Jenna Ortega's return in the final season would have looked like
George Lucas dishes the dirt on Yoda during "The Empire Strikes Back" screening talk

Want more Entertainment news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.