Alan Jackson’s son-in-law, Ben Selecman, an assistant Davidson County DA in Nashville, died at the age of 28 in a boating accident in Florida. Selecman was married to the legendary country singer’s daughter, Mattie Jackson, 28. A post on Jackson’s website said that Selecman passed away on September 12. Davidson County DA Glenn Funk told the Tennessean, “He really was a rising star and I’m sick that we lost him, but I’m grateful for every day that he worked for us because he was great.” Funk added that his office was “thankful for every day that Ben had the opportunity to serve the people of Davidson County. Our prayers are with Ben’s family. He will be truly missed.”
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Selecman Suffered Traumatic Head Injuries After Falling From a Dock
Facebook/Ben SelecmanSelecman and Jackson pictured on their honeymoon.
WSMV-TV’s Jimmy Carter reports that Selecman suffered his injuries more than a week before his death. Carter said that Selecman was injured “after falling from a boat dock in Florida.” Selecman’s funeral is planned for next week. The post on Jackson’s website announcing Selecman’s death said that the cause of death was “traumatic head injuries.” The incident occurred in West Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to Jackson’s family, Selecman is survived by his parents, Mark and Brenda, his brother, Cole Selecman and his wife, Morgan.
2. Tragically, Selecman Had Been Married for Less Than a Year
Tragically, Selecman and Mattie Jackson had been married less than a year. The couple was wed in Franklin, Tennessee, in October 2017, according to Southern Bride. The couple met first at a friend’s wedding but then didn’t reconnect until two years later while Selecman worked as a clerk for a judge in Nashville. Jackson’s daughter only agreed to go out with the aspiring lawyer after three months of unrelenting asking. Mattie described Selecman’s proposal saying, “He pursued me until I finally saw the handsome, outgoing, Godly guy I needed. After deciding we were meant for forever, he took me on a picnic on the Old Historic Natchez Trace, where we enjoyed incredible wine, cheese, dancing and the most romantic proposal.” At their wedding, the couple’s first dance was to her father’s fist radio single, “Blue Blooded Woman and a Redneck Man.”
3. Selecman Was an Avid Outdoorsman
Facebook/Ben Selecman
Posts on Selecman’s Facebook page indicate that he was a keen outdoorsman. Selecman was a graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and also attended the University of Tennessee. He was from Knoxville but was living in Nashville at the time of his death. In his “About” section, Selecman writes “FIJI Hunting.” Selecman and Jackson spent their honeymoon in South Africa and Seychelles. During their time in South Africa, Jackson said she went on “12-hour day” hunting safaris with her husband.
Twitter/Ben Selecman
On his Twitter bio, Selecman wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God first. Others second. Vols third.” Selecman’s uncle, Steve, owns a deer park, in Crab Orchard, Tennessee.
4. Until June 2018, Mattie Jackson Had Been Operating a Restaurant in Nashville
Mattie Denise Jackson is Alan Jackson’s eldest daughter, the singer has two other young children, Alexandra, born in August 1993, and Dani Grace, born in August 1997. Jackson has been married to his high school sweetheart, Denise Jackson, since December 1979. Up until June 2018, Mattie ran the restaurant Salt & Vine restaurant in the Sylvan Heights neighborhood of Nashville. An Instagram post announcing the restaurant’s closure said, “It’s been an equally joyful and rewarding road, we can’t thank you all enough for your on-going support of Salt & Vine and for being a beacon for us over the past 2 years. For that, we are truly grateful.”
Selecman with the Jackson family at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Medallion Ceremony to celebrate 2017 hall of fame inductees Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed And Don Schlitz, in October 2017.
In January 2012, Jackson sold his Jupiter, Florida, mansion for around $15 million dollars. The house included the contents, one of which was an autographed guitar from Jackson. On his official website, Jackson said that he due to perform in Charleston on September 14 and Charlotte on September 15. Those concerts have been postponed due to Hurrican Florence.
5. Selecman Is Being Celebrated by Friends & Fans of Jackson’s Music on Twitter
Alexandra Jackson, Mattie Jackson, Dani Jackson and Ben Selecman attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Medallion Ceremony.
Selecman is being mourned online by his friends and by some of his father-in-law’s fans. Here are the most poignant messages of support:
My heart breaks for the tragic death of Mattie Jackson’s husband, Ben Selecman. May Gods grace and strength help you thru this horrible time. @OfficialJackson
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Alan Jackson @OfficialJackson on the loss of his son-in-law, Ben Selecman, married to oldest daughter, Mattie. #prayersforAlanJacksonFamily
Southern Bride was absolutely heartbroken when we learned of the passing of Ben Selecman, son-in-law of Country Music legend, Alan Jackson. We were extremely honored to share… t.co/gBwFAUjGtr
So sorry for the family’s loss!! Love Light and Prayers to Mattie and the Selecman and Jackson’s families- God Speed and RIP Ben.
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