Katharine McPhee’s son’s nanny dies, she leaves husband David Foster’s Hitman tour to deal with “family tragedy”
Katharine McPhee announced she would be unable to perform the final two shows of the Asia leg of her husband David Foster’s Hitman Tour after a sudden family tragedy. The announcement came as the couple prepared to finish their run in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In an Instagram message dated August 11, Katharine wrote that she had to miss the last two shows and that “at least one of us needs to get back home to our family.” She described the situation as a “horrible tragedy” and expressed how sorry she was to Jakarta fans, adding that she hopes to return to perform for them at a later date.
According to reports, the tragedy involved the death of the couple’s son’s nanny, someone the family considered to be very close to them. The exact circumstances surrounding her death have not been disclosed, and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details have been released. Katharine is en route back to the United States to be with her husband and their family.
Katharine McPhee and David Foster were married in 2019 and welcomed their son, Rennie, in 2021. Following the private family loss, Katharine stepped away from the stage to provide support and care for those affected. The decision cost her two scheduled performances at the Sentul International Convention Centre in Jakarta on August 11 and 12, dates that were part of the tour’s Asia itinerary.
The Hitman Tour in Jakarta featured an ensemble of special guests and performers, including Michael Bolton, Loren Allred, Peabo Bryson and Raisa alongside David Foster. Katharine had been due to appear with them for the final shows of the Asia run before departing to attend to the family emergency.
Friends post their support
News of the family tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues in the entertainment community. Many commenters offered condolences and messages of love on Katharine’s social post.
David Foster’s ex-wife, Linda Thompson, left a message expressing concern and hoping that everything would be all right for the family. Fellow performers and television personalities also weighed in with supportive messages: former Dancing With the Stars cast member Amanda Kloots sent “loads of love,” and Nicole Scherzinger, who has worked with Katharine and David on television, offered her prayers and sympathies.
Other industry friends and colleagues, including former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi and Idol alum and Hitman regular Pia Toscano, also shared their support and condolences for the family during this difficult time.
Fans in Jakarta and across the region expressed disappointment at the canceled appearances but largely understood the need for the family to prioritize their personal loss. Promoters and tour staff confirmed the cancellations and indicated that they were cooperating with the family’s wishes while working through logistics for the remainder of the tour.
As the family grieves, Katharine and David have asked for privacy while they return home and address the immediate needs of their household. No additional public appearances have been announced for Katharine until she is able to confirm her schedule and readiness to return to performing.
This episode is a reminder of how personal tragedy can affect public lives, and how communities of friends, colleagues and fans often rally to offer support. For now, the focus remains on the family’s well-being and allowing them the space and time to mourn the loss of someone who had been a close and trusted presence in their lives.