John Schneider has faced one of life’s toughest challenges, and he’s finding solace in the memories of his beloved wife, Alicia Allain. The late country music singer and actress left an indelible mark on John's heart, and he carries a constant reminder with him—a tattoo of her fingerprint on his hand. “Every time I look at it, it takes me back to the countless moments we shared,” John tells Closer. “That’s the exact spot where her thumb would rest when we held hands. It’s a powerful reminder of her presence in my life.”
Just last February, John, now 63, lost Alicia after a long battle with cancer. The pain of her loss was profound, but John found comfort in knowing her suffering had ended. “I witnessed her pain, and I’m so grateful to God for relieving her of it,” he shares. Instead of letting grief consume him, John channeled his emotions into his faith and his music. “I truly believe that one day, I’ll close my eyes here and open them there, and she’ll be waiting for me,” he says, his voice filled with hope.
Remembering the Little Things
For John, it’s the small, everyday moments with Alicia that he cherishes most. Their nine-year relationship was built on love, laughter, and simple joys. “I miss our morning coffee ritual more than anything,” he recalls fondly. “I’d make our lattes and we’d sit out on the porch in our rocking chairs, talking about our plans for the day. Those little things might seem insignificant, but they’re the memories that keep me going now.”
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Since Alicia’s passing, John has leaned on the support of her family and friends who have also experienced loss. “Sometimes, you don’t even need to talk about it,” he explains. “Just being around people who understand what you’re going through is comforting. You don’t feel alone. There’s a certain comfort in knowing others get it.” John admits that seeing couples holding hands can stir up feelings of longing. “It’s natural to feel a bit of jealousy,” he confesses. “But it’s also a reminder of how much I loved her and how much she meant to me.”
A Journey Through Music
John’s journey hasn’t been easy, especially after two previous divorces. But finding Alicia was like discovering a rare gem. “She was my soulmate,” he says, his voice cracking with emotion. “Performing concerts was always special because I knew she’d be there, singing along and dancing. And trust me, no one else was driving our motor home except her. At 5-foot-4, she barely peeked over the dashboard, but she handled that 45-foot beast like a pro.”
After Alicia’s passing, John turned to music as a way to cope. His new album, We’re Still Us, is a heartfelt tribute to their love. “Music became my escape,” he explains. “I was at a crossroads emotionally, but I knew Alicia would want me to keep creating. These songs are deeply personal—they’re about love, faith, and the journey of dealing with loss.”
John believes the album is divinely inspired. “The titles came to me almost instantly,” he says. “It’s as if God himself was guiding me. Sharing these songs with others has been therapeutic. People say we die twice—once when we stop breathing and again when our name is no longer spoken. My mission is to keep Alicia alive in people’s hearts for as long as I’m here.”
Looking Forward, Looking Back
While John acknowledges the pain of losing Alicia, he also embraces the joy of their time together. “Life is about balance,” he reflects. “Yes, there’s sadness, but there’s also gratitude for the love we shared. Music has been my lifeline, and I’m proud to honor Alicia through it.”
