Jason Aldean and wife Brittany mark 3rd anniversary of Las Vegas mass shooting

By Carena Liptak & Carson Blackwelder

Oct. 1, marked a somber anniversary for the country music community. On this date in 2017, a mass shooting took place at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people and injuring more than 800 more.

It all began when 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd, which was gathered on the Las Vegas strip, from his window on the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Hotel. At the time, Jason Aldean was performing his headlining set, near the end of a three-day bill that also included Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Maren Morris and others.

On the three-year anniversary of the tragedy, Aldean and his wife took to social media in remembrance of the shooting and to honor those who lost their lives.

"Hard to believe it's been 3 years since Route 91," the "Dirt Road Anthem" singer wrote. "That night was probably the worst night of our lives and not a day goes by that we don't think about the people who lost their lives and the families who have forever been affected by it."

The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE

Priscilla Olivas lights up a candle at a street vigil held along the Las Vegas Strip after 58 people were killed and hundreds were wounded at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival on Oct. 2, 2017 in Las Vegas.

"October 1st will always be a day for us that is extremely hard to relive," he continued. "To everyone in the Route 91 family, we love u guys and we couldn't have gotten through it without you."

Aldean's wife, Brittany -- who was at the festival and eight months pregnant at the time with their son, Memphis -- also recalled that fateful night.

"On one hand it seems like an eternity ago, a nightmare you try to forget. On the other hand, its vividness makes it seem like it was yesterday," Brittany -- who is also mom to their daughter, Navy -- wrote. "The sound, the chaos, the overwhelming sadness and heartache...it's something that never leaves you."

She went on to offer her thoughts and condolences to those who lost loved ones at the shooting.

"We are thinking of each and every one of you today and every day," Brittany added. "And to the men and women who ran towards the bullets to protect all of us...WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL."

The couple married in 2015. In addition to their two children together, Aldean is also dad to daughters Keeley and Kendyl with ex-wife Jessica.