NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. is opening up about Kyle Busch’s death, and the icon’s last days.
Earnhardt revealed that Busch had plans for the near future, increasing the mystery around the racing legend’s sudden death at the age of 41. The cause of Busch’s death was not released; he had been dealing with a substantial cough as recently as May 16, and he requested a “shot” from a doctor due to a “sinus cold” on May 10. Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and two kids, and tributes are flowing in from shocked fans and colleagues. He was posting about his family only three days ago.
But Earnhardt says he was looking forward to next week.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shared That He Was Planning to Meet With Kyle Busch Next Thursday
Earnhardt posted the tribute to Busch on X, and it was very candid.
“Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams,” he wrote.
Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better…
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026
“I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago,” he added.
“Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop,” Earnhardt said.
“He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race. Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.”
Kyle Busch’s Family Revealed He Was Dealing With a ‘Severe Illness’
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The X post reads, “Statement Regarding Kyle Busch from the Busch Family.”
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
It was posted just before 9:30 a.m. on May 21.
Source: Life – Fitness – mensjournal
