On Saturday, June 27, 2015, Clay Aiken wrote a touching tribute to his friend, Jerome Bell and his daughter, J’viera Bell. The article is posted on Clay’s Professional Facebook page and is beautiful. I hope you will all take a moment to read it. CLAY’SFACEBOOK
J’viera Bell was probably 9 years old the first time I met her. She was backstage on the Idol tour with her dad, Jerome, who had been assigned to me as security. She was a bit shy then, but over the years I have had the privilege of watching her grow from that shy little girl into a precocious and sarcastic teenager and then a contentious college student and now a mature and sophisticated young woman.
Her dad, Jerome, has been one of the most constant and loyal and trustworthy people I have ever known. He’s been by me for years as not just a colleague and friend, but often as a father figure (something I don’t think he signed up for, but a role he has played with more wisdom and grace than I could have ever imagined) and mentor.
Today, that incredible friend, Jerome, walked that beautiful young woman, J’viera, down the aisle and gave her hand to her groom, Evan Mobley.
I wasn’t able to be there, but I am so proud of both of them, and I probably would have drowned them in tears anyway. I’m so glad to know them and have them both in my life.
I wish J’viera and her husband a lifetime of joy.
Congratulations J’viera and Evan.
And, congratulations Jerome!
The following are some fun pictures of Jerome!!
Thank you, Jerome, for being a true friend to Clay and keeping him on a safe path through some difficult times!
And…Congrats to your beautiful daughter!!