A country star posted a tribute on Thursday, May 29, to a fallen friend of his.
Mark Wills, 51, the singer behind such country hits as “Jacob’s Ladder,” “Places I’ve Never Been,” “I Do (Cherish You),” “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Back at One” and “19 Somethin'”, is mourning the loss of his friend Bernard Kerik.
“Sad to learn of the passing of Bernard Kerik,” wrote Wills on Instagram. “I met him a couple of years ago and we stayed in touch. I hate that we will never get to enjoy some of those plans that we made. Rest easy, Sir.”
Kerik died May 29 at the age of 69, according to ABC News. He was the commissioner of the New York Police Department during the September 11 attacks in 2001. He later pleaded guilty to tax fraud and served three years in prison before being pardoned by President Trump.
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Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani paid tribute to Kerik on his show Thursday, saying, “We’ve been together since the beginning. He’s like my brother. I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man.”
Other tributes came pouring in as the news broke. Podcast host Gary Brugman wrote on Instagram, “I’m at a loss of words finding out that a man I’ve admired for decades suddenly passed away. I’m heartbroken, devastated and rattled by his death. I’m honored to have known Bernard K. Kerik and call him a friend and a bro since 2020. I’m staying prayed up for his family who loved him so much. Bernie was a role model, and became a friend and a brother to me. Rest Easy, Commissioner. Thank you for your Bravery, Service, Guidance and Friendship. We’ll take it from here. 🫡.”
The Blue Magazine founder, Daniel Del Valle, wrote, “Today, the world, our nation, and the law enforcement community lost a remarkable leader. This was the last photo of our mentor and friend, Bernard Kerik, captured by The Blue Magazine on April 10, 2025. We are deeply grateful for the work we shared and the memories we created. His legacy will live on through our continued commitment to the values he stood for. Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”
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