Rocker Michael Huntley, who rose to fame as the season 24 winner of “The Voice,” is mourning the death of his dad, with whom he’d recently reconciled. Huntley shared the news on his 36th birthday — May 26, 2026 — in a heartbreaking social media post, which included a photo of him and his dad together at the hospital.
“You weren’t always there but I’ve always loved you like the little boy in these photos,” Huntley wrote in the caption. “I’m glad I got to see you one last time and tell you that I love you no matter what mistakes were made. I love you dad, rest in peace. No more pain ❤️”
Fans & Friends Flood Huntley With Condolences on His Birthday
Huntley won “The Voice” in 2023 as a member of Niall Horan’s team, after earning a four-chair turn in his audition. The singer was born in Florida, but grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, living in poverty with his single mom.
According to Huntley’s NBC bio, he “never had a relationship with his dad,” which motivated him to be a very present father for his own kids, Michael and Stella, who got to decide Huntley’s coach after his audition.
After winning “The Voice,” he told American Songwriter that he knew he’d still have to work hard to keep the momentum going, noting that it was “a little scary” and explaining, “I have two kids, so everything I’m sacrificing isn’t just for myself. When I’m coming out here to Nashville or L.A., I’m giving it my all for me and my family.”
Fans and friends flooded Huntley’s post with notes of sympathy, including a comment he liked that said, “Omg and on your birthday? I’m so sorry to hear this Huntley. Grieve at your own pace and know I’m always here for you ❤️🩹”
“Prayers out for you and your family,” another wrote. “Glad you had time to see him and speak to him before passing. Sending love bro”
Someone else sympathized, “Oh, Michael I am so sorry. 🥺 Of course you love your dad. Loss of a parent is hard no matter the relationship. Take time to grieve. Hug your kids a little tighter and know you are a phenomenal dad. Much love ❤️🩹 My prayers are with you and your family.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼”
Huntley Has Expanded His Own Family Since ‘The Voice’
Among those who shared condolences was Huntley’s girlfriend, Ashley Hanrahan, who wrote, “May he rest in peace. I love you so much 💐❣️”
In May 2025, she shared on Facebook that she and Huntley were expecting a baby girl to join her big brother and sister. A year later, on Mother’s Day 2026, Huntley posted a photo of Hanrahan with Michael Jr. and their newest addition, Willow.
On his birthday, Huntley also shared several posts in his Instagram Stories from Hanrahan’s private Instagram account, including one of them with Stella, and another of him holding their little one as he played the drums. Over that pic, Hanrahan wrote that Huntley is “the best Daddy ever.”
