Demi Lovato is mourning the loss of her grandfather, who died Wednesday morning.
The singer wrote on Instagram that her grandpa, Perry, had "been sick for a couple years now," and that she will always remember him as "one of the best preachers I've ever had the honor of witnessing spread the word of God."
However, she also noted that it's an especially difficult time to lose a loved one, as the COVID-19 pandemic makes it nearly impossible to hold memorial services given social distancing guidelines outlined by experts.
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"Although I'm relieved he is out of pain, it still hurts to think our family won't get to say goodbye with a proper funeral for a while," she wrote. "But that's the reality during this pandemic."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone outside of the household and keep in mind that some people who have the virus are asymptomatic. The organization also warns that keeping distance is vital for those who are at higher risk of becoming very ill.
Lovato, 27, ended her tribute by addressing her late grandfather directly, telling him, "rest easy" and "love you."
"I love you Grandpa," she added. "I'm sorry we didn't take more pictures together but I have so many memories to make me smile until we meet again someday."
